Board Chairman Abnet faces strong challenge for an overhaul change in Saint George
Missing out a back to back Ethiopian Premier League title for the first time since the new format introduced in 1997, Saint George is speculated for an overhaul change of management for the new season. Board chairman Abnet G/Meskel is said to face a strong challenge from supporters who got frustrated in the club’s current form hardly in a position to battle for the title.
The appointment of foreign coaches and the transfer of foreign players are the two key issues supporters want a clear picture who exactly is behind. The worst ever foreign Coach in the club’s recent time history Stewart Hall and nearly half a dozen foreign players that delivered nothing to the team, many concluded that people are there manipulating the system therefore a new broom is needed to wipe them out. “It is hard to challenge Abnet as he is the only financial source for the team. But he must wipe out those yes men surrounding him and replace with someone energetic and who could challenge him in his decision making” a former player suggested. “Saint George is in a cross road and it is up to Abnet to lead the way to the future” he added.
Though fourth in the table six points behind the league leader Fasil Town, Saint George is believed to have the worst ever squad in recent years. Salhadin Said and Getaneh Kebede both sustaining long term injury, the defense line missing a key link with the midfield and the absence of a playmaker to orchestrate the mid field, many believe Saint George is badly in need of an overhaul change in order to stay the number one side of Ethiopian football.
Kassaye Arage’s appointment rumored to be fake story
The news that Kassaye Arage is to return home to take over as coach of Ethiopia Coffee is rumored to be a fake story to divert the club’s die hard supporters’ intention of stirring a major reform in the club. Significant number of these supporters are said to be organizing a strong opposition to call for a new Board that could help the side to embrace the next phase.
Most club supporters are in strong support of their former legendary midfielder Kassaye Arage’s appointment for the new season. But insiders claim that there is no love lost between Board Chairman Fekade Mamo and Kassaye Arage therefore Kassaye’s appointment out of question. “I believe the current situation about Ethiopian football is hardly an enticing job to Kassaye and no one could come up with good reason to convince him to be back to Ethiopia Coffee” suggested one source.
According to those that claim to know the Patriarch, chain of command is what comes first in his dictionary whereas Kassaye, a rebel at heart, always looking for an extra freedom to express himself. “I know he was not fond of Kassaye when he appointed a Coach for a short spell” remarked former Ethiopia Coffee’s Executive. “There is no room for change in Coffee as far as Fekade is in command of the ship” he added.
Back in to his throne firmly following his successful stand-off against the federation, sources suggested that Lieutenant Fekade popularly known “Chento” needs no excuse to say no to Kassaye’s appointment. “Believe me Kassaye will never set foot as long as the Patriarch is there,” one source suggested.
“Chento has done a tremendous job to bring Ethiopia Coffee to the map of Ethiopian Football. But time has run out for him therefore it is time to elevate him to lifetime Honorable President and look for someone with a dream and energy.”
Hadiya-Hosana returns to Ethiopian Premier League
Following Hadya-Hosana’s promotion to the top tier, Coach Girma Bekele became the first Ethiopian Coach to help a side piped in to the premier league twice. Twice with Hossana and once with Debub Police, Girma is now considered a promotion expert thus under the radar of many teams including Ethiopia Medin (Insurance) and Ethio-Electric.
Though Girma joined Hossana late in to the preseason, for last year Super League fixtures extended well in to the new season, he managed to convince some senior players as well youngsters hungry enough to prove themselves. With just only two defeats, Hossana booked the promotion six points clear off its regional rival and runner-up Arbaminch Town with two matches remaining.
“Hundred percent support from the town administration, understanding among coaching staff and players motivation to prove themselves are the key components for a team dreaming promotion” Girma told reporters after his achievement with the team he loved so much. “It is all about team work and dedication” he added.
The promotion of Hadiya and Wolkite from Southern region means the continuity of the region dominating the premier league. Southern region will have six teams if Debub Police survived relegation while Oromia will have three following Sebeta Ketema’s promotion. Addis Ababa has a high probability of having only two sides if Mekelakya failed to win the remaining two matches. Dedebit already downed Mekele could be left with only two sides if Sehul Shere’s effort of survival failed to come true. Amhara stays with two (Fasil & Baherdar) while Diredawa still stands the only representative of Eastern Ethiopia.
