Capital

Inspiring Joy

The Cup of African Nations is the continent’s showpiece sporting event and captures the attention of hundreds of millions. The tournament, founded first by Ethiopia, Egypt, Sudan and South Africa (almost immediately expelled before the first finals,) has grown to a 16 team world class tournament that is firmly fixed on the global sports calendar. What does this huge event mean to Ethiopians?
Ethiopia’s pioneering role in the Cup of Nations and its continued commitment to African sports development is still steadfast despite the long absence of a competent football administration, a sluggish domestic leagues and a national team stuck forever in first gear. The enthusiasm with which the 26th Cup of Nation is being followed by Ethiopians is almost heartbreaking to observe – makes one wonder how much more elated this nation would have been if it had been able to actually participate!
Ethiopia’s excellent and sustained record in middle and long distance running is a source of great national pride. However, this nation loves soccer with a passion that no other sport, including running, can stir. Witness the near obsession with the British Premier League and anything related to this most popular of leagues Nothing would make us happier than a return to the top echelons of African soccer.
The games being transmitted live from Ghana and brought to us courtesy of ETV have tantalized the viewing public with flashes of brilliance that will surely light a fire inside many youngsters. By the way, only a few days before the official opening and first match (Ghana-Guinea), there was a lot of doubt whether ETV would transmit the games. There was talk of exorbitant fees (7 million birr) demanded by the holders of the TV rights. Sportscasters (domestic) were quoting Nigerian, Zambian and other sources that even these participating nations would not screen the games! The skies cleared eventually and we have been enjoying a soccer feast that is turning out to be the best ever cup of nations. Ethiopia can learn many things from the event. For starters, the colorful opening ceremony is a lesson in how to organize such large occasions.

The most pertinent lessons though, are for the now healing (we hope) Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF) and to the players and the very young who are the future of Ethiopian soccer.
The EFF should take a page out of the Ghana football authorities- or for that matter from any other African federation with a viable plan of action. They should see that re-establishing football in Ethiopia can never again be a one man show nor run by a small entrenched clique. Football and what it signifies in terms of nurturing a healthy population and its value as a source of unity and national pride, is much too important a sport.
The recent changes to the EFF can be taken as like the emergency resuscitation of a patient who had been in cardiac arrest. It is hoped that the joyous scenes we have been watching will inspire the EFF, footballers and children so that one day, some hearts will really stop when an Ethiopian team lifts the Cup of Nations!

Do you think there have been changes associated with the
transmission of the African Cup of Nations in Ethiopia?

Frankly, I don’t understand why watching the African Cup on TV is going to benefit Ethiopia besides for the entertainment value. After all, Ethiopians have been watching the much higher quality British league and there is nothing to show for it _ except for a rise in betting and of course, fighting.

Adugna Kassa
Bank clerk

I think it’s great that ETV has paid so much money to treat its viewers. It doesn’t matter that Ethiopia is not participating – we can’t be winners in every sport. Let’s not force the hands of time. We will get there when we get there!

Abiy Solomonawi
Student

African football has undergone tremendous change. I was a disbeliever, being hooked on British football, and considered African soccer as a waste of time until, thanks to ETV; I witnessed some of the best games and goals I have ever seen.

Eshetu
Amateur Footballer