The suspended season bottom of the table Hadiya suddenly became the most sought after destination for former national team senior footballers following Ashenafi bekele’s appointment as head coach. Ashenafi’s departure turned out a major blow to Adama for six of their players followed him to the Southern Region contingent.
South African nations’ cup final qualification hero Addis Hensa is the biggest fish to land at Hadiya. The former international midfielder who played for Dedebit, NegedBank, Ethiopia Medin and a three season’s spell with Sudanese side Hilal-Shendi, left Adama ketema to sign a two year contract.
Former national team, and St George striker Dawa Hutesa, formerly with Wolayta and Woldiya defensive midfielder Beruk Kalbore and the giant defender whose name linked with Kidus Giorgis are of the few notable players who left Adama for a two year contract with Hadiya.
Famous for building a strong defense minded squad, Ashenafi’s new signees are well experienced defenders whose work rate considered among the best. A strong back four in coordination with a massive counterattack that is Ashenafi’s trademark, the former Mekelakeya defender Tewdros Bekele, defensive midfielder Amanuel Gobena, the speedy flank man at Adama Bereket Desta, highly rated former Sidama central defender Abebe Tilahun and goalkeeper Dereje Alemu are the new signees to Hadiya.
“Number of renowned players joining the squad life appears so far so good in Hadiya the side that is striving hard to become a strong regional force.” Former player Wondemu Neda suggested.