Ethiopian players on the move

Players Move

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Ethiopian players are said to be in the raid list of clubs ranging from South Africa, Israel to Sudan.

Dedebit’s striker Getaneh Kebede and St. George’s playmaker Shimeles Bekele have already gone to their respective destinations for medical tests and contract negotiations.

Ethiopia’s return to the Africa Cup of Nations’ final after a more than three decades of absence and the astonishing run they are having in the 2014 World Cup qualification campaign triggered the sudden interest and attention from talent scouts of international football. The result is that a number of Ethiopian players are poised to achieve their dream of making a career out of professional football.

Following Addis Hintsa’s 40,000-Dollar move to Sudan, his team mate, Getaneh Kebede, and Shimelis Bekele are the latest to make their move to foreign clubs.

The new Ethiopian Premier League champions target man and leading scorer (with 22 goals), Getaneh travelled to South Africa and is likely to join Bidvest Wits University FC currently fourth in the League table following Kaizer Chiefs, Platinum Star and Orlando Pirates, respectively. Sources said Getaneh is sure to land contracts from other clubs, including Orlando Pirates, who are said to be already lining up to sign him up.

St. George and National team playmaker Shimeles Bekele has also gone to Libya to join a side which hasn’t yet been disclosed. The diminutive player, who has fantastic ball control and an amazing vision, is said to be in contact with a Libyan side that has offered USD 170,000 to St. George to buy out his contract and has allegedly offered him a USD 7,000 monthly salary.

Electric and National team defensive midfielder Asrat Megersa is also on the raid list, but this time it’s from Israeli teams. Although not yet confirmed, a club has offered Electric USD 50,000 to buy out his contract and USD 5,000 as monthly salary for the player.

Commercial Bank’s coach, Wubetu Abate, has apparently been offered a deal from Sudanese side Al Ahly Shendy for the position of assistant coach. The former Premier League champions coach is said to be getting ready to journey to Sudan.

Source: CapitalEthiopia.com