Tesfaye Urgecho, former St George & Ethiopia national team player, dies

Tesfaye Urgecho with Ethiopian national team

Addis AbabaTesfaye Urgecho, former St George and Ethiopia national football team player, passed away here yesterday after a brief illness according to his former club and local media services.

Urgecho, who made the United States his home for the past few years, arrived in the nation’s capital a few days ago to visit his family.

According to various reports, Urgecho suddenly fell ill and was taken to the Black Lion Hospital, where he passed away.  

His funeral service was held at Kidane Mihret Church in his home town of Wonji.

Urgecho started his football career in his home town of Wonji, Oromiya Region, some 62 miles away from Addis Ababa. After a brief stay there, he moved to Air Force FC before finally joining St George FA, Ethiopia’s most successful club, where his career took off.  

Urgecho played 8 years (1992-2000) for the Horsemen where he won several trophies including 3 national championships in a row (1994, 1995 & 1996), a league & cup double (1999) and he also played several years for the national team.

Although he is known as a midfield player and a provider, Urgecho also scored a number of goals during his football career both at club and national team levels.

During his 8-year stay with the Horsemen, the team won the following:

National Champions (6): 1992, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1999 & 2000

Ethiopian Cup (2): 1993 & 1999

Ethiopian Super Cup (3): 1994, 1995, 1996

Ethiosports : We would like to express our sincere condolences to the family and May the God Lord Rest his Soul and May his Memory be Eternal!

Tesfaye Urgecho (seated first from the left) when he played for St Geotge SA.