Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Mengistu Worku 70, Ethiopia’s greatest footballer of all time and the last head coach who took the Ethiopian national football team to the African Nations Cup in Libya in 1982, has died here today.
Mengistu recently returned home after undergoing medical treatment in Bangkok, Thailand for the two years.
The 3rd African Cup winner has been in Bangkok for two years undergoing medical treatment but his condition has worsened. Mengistu was said to have returned home along with a medical doctor and special medical equipments for follow-up treatment.
Saint George FC’s patron, Sheikh Mohammed Hussein Al Amoudi has covered all the medical expenses for the legendary player.
Mengistu spent his entire club playing career for Saint George FC, where he started at the age of 16. Â He played 98 times for the Ethiopian national team and scored a record 61 goals. He played a pivotal role in helping Ethiopia win its only African Nations Cup when the third edition was held here in 1962. As a player, Mengistu has taken part in 6 African Nations Cup tournaments (1959-1970) and scored 10 goals.
After he retired from playing, Mengistu took up coaching where he served as head of St. George, Ethiopian Airlines and EEPCO among others and he is the last Ethiopian coach to take a team to the African Nations Cup when it was held in Libya in 1982.
Mengistu was a complete player. He can dribble and pass precise balls. His left foot was as lethal as his right, and he had such an incredible jumping and heading ability for a player who was not that tall.
A fearless warrior, who sacrificed his body and was often victim of vicious tackles from defenders who cannot control him.
According to Saint George FC Public Relations’ statement, his funeral will be held tomorrow afternoon at 4pm at the Petros & Paulos Church here in the capital.
EthioSports.com is deeply saddened to hear the death of one of Africa’s greatest footballers and an Ethiopian hero. Our condolences to the family.
Mengistu with the Ethiopian national team that won the 3rd African Cup (1962)
Mengistu Worku with the Ethiopia vs Congo Kinshasa encounter for the 6th African Cup (1968)
Mengistu Worku with his beloved Saint George FC (1960s)
God please reast his sol.
your name live 4 life in ethiopia federation ,,you are stell in life ,yednakachew and mengistu worku the best soccer player in ethiopia .
you are the hero ,, and legend,
rest and pease for
mengistu
EthioSports – Ethiopia Football: Legendary Footballer Mengistu ……
Here at World Spinner we are debating the same thing……
We going to miss you. Your are an icon and a legend.The best of the bests.Mengistu loved Ethiopia very much that he refused to play for foreign clubs.No one can substitue you.God bless your soul.You are always in our mind.
Ethiopia will never ever get a person like. You will be missed most. God bless your soul.
[...] EthioSports.com [...]
What a bad news!! Ethiopia lost one of its great sportsmen. Though I did not see him playing in my age, I have grown up hearing his special football skill. hitherto may be no any one in the country equates him in that line. He was among the winner of the CUP of nations and as is the last coach to take the national team to CAF cup of nation. so the tell about him sure would go on to the next generation … …Simply he is legendry like Dr.Telahun Gessesse, and the Great Athlet Abebe Bikella, as some years back (in their great time past) sung for the three ..He died as man dies but would live forever in Ethiopian foot ball history.
Rest in peace!!
Deepest sympathies and wish of perseverance to his family, friends and to all Ethiopian football lovers.
A Legend in his own time a well respected and most feared soccer player of my era Menge, you may be gone but you will never be forgotten God Bless Your Soul, RIP.
RIP, and we love you!
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RIP
Grandpa! We already miss you so much! I miss our morning espresso routines and was hoping you would be back for one more. I will cherish our talks and your advice. God bless, love you and will miss you.
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RIP
Mengistu was the best palayer , coach and sport leader. Ethiopia lost one of her beloved Hero.
The loss to our nation of a real foot balling genious. He has given to our beloved country Ethiopia the service with dedication and talent that almighty God has blessed him with. Mengie you will never be forgotten. May his sour rest in peace.
May God rest his soul in Heaven.
RIP!!!