News in Brief – February 8

The FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour will be in Addis Ababa on February 24 and 25. In a presser organized by Coca Cola at Hilton Addis Coca Cola Ethiopia and Horn of Africa Brand Manager Tigist Getu briefed the media about the trophy tour and some of the events that are lined up. According to Tigist the trophy will be given a reception at the National Palace and Ethiopia president Mulatu Teshome (Dr.) is the only person who happens to have the privilege of touching the World Cup on February 24. The trophy will be open for public visiting the next day at Ghion Hotel before heading to Nairobi, Kenya. The World Cup Trophy Tour will be in town for the first time in 8 years.

Ethiopia Bunna has parted ways with three players in mutual consent. The Addis Ababa outfit have let go off striker duo Manaye Fantu, Bereket Yisak and right back Abdulselam Nuru. The trio failed to impress Bunna as they left the club few days ago following termination of their contracts. Bereket left Dire Dawa Ketema to Bunna on July 2017 and struck one time during the league season while Manaye failed to score in any of his appearances for the club. Abdulselam, who joined Bunna from newcomers Welwalo Adigrat University, has started few games in preseason tourneys and league fixtures before being dropped for Asrat Tunjo. Ethiopia Bunna has signed two players from abroad few weeks ago to strength the forward line.

Woldia SC has warned six players to return to the club and resume training. The club expressed if the players failed to return on time, it would be forced to penalize them. Woldia’s general manager Geremew told Soccer Ethiopia that forwards Fitsum Gebremariam, Edem Horousovi, midfielder Minyahel Teshome, defenders Tadele Meherete and Amare Bekele failed to show up for training. Woldia SC had temporarily disbanded the side following a security concern in the town but since the situation in Woldia is calm the club assembled the squad on Monday again and returned to full training on Wednesday.

Ethio-Electric became the latest Ethiopian Premier League side to hand out warnings to players. Binyam Assefa, Moges Tadesse and Awet Gebremikael have been served with warnings to step up their form. The club is rock bottom after a dreadful start of the season. Although Electric appointed ex Ethiopian national team Coach Ashenafi Bekele, the club went five games without a win. Majority of the Electric’s players have raised concerns over the rigorous training session given by the trainer during talks with club officials. They have also asked increment on incentive and to be served with a good meal.

Ethiopian second tier side Jimma Aba Bunna and coach Girma Habteyohannis have parted ways on mutual agreement. The former Mugher Cement trainer was appointed in July after Gebremedhin Haile left for cross city club Jimma Aba Jifar. The coach has been under immense criticism and opposition from fans since round 3 of the Ethiopian Higher League. Following a disappointing draw at home against Meqi Ketema the coach and club officials were jeered by Aba Bunna fans. Assistant coach Elias Teshale ,who was tipped to succeeded Girma, has also left his post.

Hadiya Hossana has named Ezedin Abedela as their new coach. The Higher League side was on look out for a new coach following Eyob Maale’s departure to topflight side ArbaMinch Ketema a month ago. Ezedin in 2016/17 handled Silte Werabe before becoming Hadiya Hossana’s technical director.

Woliatta Dicha has left Addis Ababa for Zanzibar at the early hours of Thursday morning to tackle Zimamoto in Total CAF Confederations Cup preliminary round duel on Sunday, February 11. The Sodo based side was in Addis since last Sunday as they had a training session at Sululeta. Head coach Zenebe Fisseha told Soccer Ethiopia that his charges are ready to play Zimamoto and believes they can win away from home. Wolaitta Dicha are on their maiden continental outing.

Kidus Giorgis hosts South Sudan champions Al Salam Wau on Total CAF Champions League preliminaries in Addis Ababa. Al Salam yet to touchdown to Addis as the Kidus Giorgis claimed the South Sudanese only contacted the record Ethiopian champions on Thursday. According statement from the official Facebook handle of Kidus Giorgis, Al Salam are expected in Addis on Friday. Nonetheless, according to news reaching Soccer Ethiopia Al Salam will jet in to the country on Saturday, a day before the tie.

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