A season opening away draw with new comers Wolkite, a clumsy narrow home win over Sebeta Ketema, an away and home goalless draws with Fasil and Sehul-Shere followed by 2-0 away defeat to Jimma AbaJifar, Serbian Srdan Zivojhov appeared a Coach waiting for the axe comedown anytime soon. A single win, three draws and a defeat, the record champions are seventh in the table with six points already seven points behind the leaders.
Especially considering Zivojhov’s four expatriates in the squad and the best home talents under his command, it is hard to explain what Zivojhov is doing with the former 14 times record champions Saint George. Neither an entertaining football nor a result, paying thousands of dollars for Zivojhov is hard to justify. Salhadin Said sidelined for long due injury, Getaneh Kebede in suspension following a red card and the foreigners far from delivering results, the likelihood of losing the premier league title for third consecutive seasons appears to come true. A single goal in five matches is something unprecedented for Saint George famous for winning matches by all means.
Though the 47 year-old Zivojhov boasts first-hand experience in African football, he appeared oblivious of Ethiopian Football despite winning Addis Ababa City Cup trophy in less than two months in the hot seat. The speculation is that of his sacking if he lose any in the next three matches.
Saint George on the verge of sacking Coach Zivojhov
Amanuel G/Michael is back on top scorers’ race
Amanuel G/Michael’s inspirational performance is getting momentum leading his side Mekele SebaEnderta to a famous derby match win on Monday. Amanuel’s solo strike just halfway in to the first half not only broke Welwalo-Adigrat’s unbeaten four matches run but also heralded that the defending champions are serious about retaining the premier league title for the second season in a row.
Though the arrival of 2017 Ethiopian Premier League top scorer Nigerian goal machine Okiki Afolabi was meant to force the young striker leave the club or relegate him in to the reserve bench. Instead Amanuel stayed, battled and succeeded in securing a regular place ahead of the Nigerian.
Yohannes Sahle’s strong defensive line managed to silence the huge Nigerian but failed to stop Amanuel the hero of Monday’s derby showdown.
Joining his former boss at Jimma AbaJifar, Gebremedin Haile, Okiki appears to lose his former marksmanship as he has not yet scored a single goal in five matches to his new club Mekele.
Amanuel’s four goals helped Mekele rub shoulder at the league top spot with crosstown rivals Welwalo that lost not only three points but the service of two of their most important players: team skipper Aynalem Hailu and goalkeeper Abdulaziz Keita. Aynalem is not to return soon for the serious shoulder injury while goalie Abdulaziz misses three matches following an injury time red card.
“Amanuel’s goal is more than a winning goal as it brings a huge confidence among us. We were wary of a slow season start. But now we start believing that retaining the title is possible” Amanuel’s team mate suggested.
