The cut-throat Ethiopia Football Federation Presidential election is getting momentum with three candidates officially announced on Wednesday. The sport politics in its heyday and two heavy weights in the stage, the election is expected to be the recent times closest contention.
The incumbent EFF President Essayas Jirra from Oromia, Melaku Fenta from Amhara and Tkichaw Alemayehu from Diredawa are the three candidates who are running for Ethiopian Football governing body Presidential seat.
Since Tkichaw Alemayehu from Diredawa is hardly known to the Football family, many suggested it is going to be a two horse race between incumbent President Essayas Jirra and the man behind the recently inaugurated Amhara Bank Board Director Melaku Fenta.
Four-years in the reign and with a number of successes in his bag including the formation of League Committee, the huge partnership deal with DSTV and the Ethiopian national team qualification to Cup of Nations, Essayas Jirra appears to be the hottest favorite for a second four year term. “I believe he has delivered more than what is expected of him” Suggested a former Referee Commissioner.
The serious contender for the hot seat is unannounced guest to the stage former government official Melaku Fenta who made a name as a former Revenue minister and later renowned to spearhead the formation of the much talked about Amhara Bank.
Expectations have been raised particularly on Melaku’s candidacy with some getting surprised on his bid while others optimistic to bring an overhaul change on the Football Federation which is accused of a number of shortcomings including the absence of an international standard stadium. “The Federation is in need of a new broom for it is full of old bureaucrats notorious for old tricks” Esubalew Assefa remarked.
The General Assembly of Ethiopian Football will gather for the election in one of the ancient cities of Gondor on the 27th of August.