Nearly four decades as Patriarch to the most popular side in the country Ethiopia Bunna Lieutenant Fekade Mamo elected named Chair Person to the newly formed Committee that will take over the organization of the tournament as of the coming season. “The matter was rolling since the past twelve years but here we are to walk-our-talk and takeover the cumbersome weight off our shoulder” EFF President Essayas Jirra told the participants of the meeting that took place at Elili Hotel.
Though it is not yet clearly defined what exactly the Committee’s assignment is, the new arrangement could help the Premier League clubs to run their own show with the Federation only to play the governing body’s role that is overseeing the amateur and professional game and provides sanctions for competitive matches at all levels, although at the grassroots level it governs leagues via regional football associations.
Some suggested that the Federation giveaway its tight grip because it is currently in an awkward position hardly heard among its subjects with some the likes of Addis Ababa Football Federation plotting an exclusive league season among its clubs. Therefore it is expected a tough time to come to set terms how to run the show in proper way despite the Federation’s eagle eye hovering above to look for excuses in order to disprove the clubs’ good intention. “The ball is now in our court therefore we need to be wise how to play with it” One participant suggested.
Having the best experience in organizing and leading huge organization then a board chairman at Ethiopia Bunna, Lieutenant Fekade is named the chair person and Kasate Legesse from Mekele Seba-Enderta vice Chairperson. Eshetu Biyadego from Fasil, Anbesse Megersa from Adama, Assefa Hasiso from Dicha, Ato Anbsaw Awegechew from Diredawa and Mengestu Sasamo from Sidama Bunna are member of the committee given a back breaking job of establishing a League Committee despite 14 out of the 16 are government sponsored clubs.
Decade long league committee dream comes true
2019 Addis Ababa City Cup kicks-off 1st November
The two-week event which features a trophy and a significant amount of prize money is expected to be a good opportunity for the participating teams that are currently in the final phase of their pre-season preparations. Although all teams from the Capital except rumored to be defunct, Addis Ababa Town, are expected to take part Ethiopia Medin and Ethiopian Construction Works Corporation are yet in doubt following the controversial decision of Ethiopian Football Federation reversing its decision of a 24 side new format in the coming new season.
Five time champions Saint George, three time winners Ethio-Electric, and defending three time champions Ethiopia Bunna, Mekelakeya, not yet confirmed Ethiopia Medin and ECWCO are representative of the Capital while Premier League new comers Wolkite Town from Southern region and Sebeta Town from Oromia are the eight teams to join force in the competition. If at all the two teams Medin and ECWCO declined to participate last year surprise finalist Baherdar Town and league runner-up Sidama Bunna are ready in the waiting list.
Though Addis Ababa Football federation was pushing for an alternate new league format for the new season that is organizing its own tournament among its subjects, currently it appeared to come in to terms with the country’s governing body thus ready to commence its annual event.
Famous for raising millions to finance the annual tournament, Addis Ababa Football Federation is expected to bring about huge surprises for the City Mayor Engineer Takele Uma has long promised to play a huge role as one of the stake holders in organizing the city’s flag ship sport event.
Beautifying Sheger
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed launched the ‘Beautifying Sheger’ section of the project to be built by the Chinese construction giant CCCC. The 12km section of the entire 56kms river cleanup and rehabilitation work is being supported by the Chinese Government in a grant secured earlier this year. The project is expected to be finalized by May 2020.
