Shire changes its name, Sidama Bunna agree to return the Ethiopian Cup trophy, CECAFA Kagame Cup draw revealed. Here are the August 28 news briefs from Ethiopian football.
Mekelle 70 Enderta Bolster Midfield with the Signing of Fitsum Alemu
Mekele has reached an agreement to sign experienced midfielder Fitsum Alemu, further strengthening their squad with yet another key addition.
Fitsum, who has represented several Ethiopian clubs including Tikur Abay, DMU, Fasil Kenema, Mechal, and most recently Bahir Dar Kenema, brings with him a wealth of experience and consistency. During the 2024/25 campaign, he played a crucial role for Bahir Dar, featuring in 34 league matches and clocking 2,618 minutes of action, while also contributing five goals from midfield.
The signibg of Fitsum become the club’s seventh signing of the summer transfer window. His arrival follows Suleiman Hamid, Mehari Ameha, Asegahegn Petros, Abdi Wabela, Bruk Endale, and Berhanu Adamu.
Three Premier League Clubs Settle Financial Penalties
The Ethiopian Premier League Share Company has confirmed that three clubs have fulfilled the financial penalties imposed on them by the Finance Disciplinary Committee for violations of league regulations.
Earlier this year the committee announced sanctions against three clubs and 14 players for breaching the EPLSC financial rules, specifically related to unauthorized advance payments through third parties.
Mechal was fined 21 million birr for irregular advance payments made to seven players while Sidama Bunna faced a penalty of 18 million birr for similar payments made to six players. Hawassa on the other hand was fined 3 million birr for the same violation involving one player.
According to news obtained by Soccer Ethiopia, Mechal and Hawassa had already cleared their fines earlier, while Sidama Bunna completed its payment yesterday. This means that all three clubs have now settled their respective penalties in full.
With the payments finalized, the Premier League Share Company has collected a roumer of 42 million birr in revenue from the fines.
Sierra Leone Announce Squad Ahead of World Cup Qualifiers Against Ethiopia and Guinea-Bissau
Sierra Leone have officially named their squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Ethiopia and Guinea-Bissau.
Head coach Mohamed Kallon, who recently replaced John Keister, unveiled a 26-man squad featuring a mix of foreign-based and home-based players. This marks the first official squad announcement for the former Inter Milan star since taking charge from veteran coach Amidu Karim.
The Leone Stars currently sit third in Group A with 8 points, trailing leaders Egypt (16 points) and second-placed Burkina Faso (11 points). Ethiopia and Guinea-Bissau are level on 6 points each, placed fourth and fifth respectively on goal difference.
Sierra Leone’s fixtures against Ethiopia and Guinea-Bissau during this international window will be decisive in determining their chances of staying in contention for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ethiopia Bunna Learn Opponents as CECAFA Kagame Cup Group Draw Revealed
The group stage draw for the 2024 CECAFA Kagame Cup has been officially released, with Ethiopia Bunna expected to represent Ethiopia in the prestigious regional tournament.
Earlier, CECAFA confirmed that 12 clubs will participate in this year’s edition. The draw placed Ethiopia Bunna in Group A alongside Kenya Police (Kenya), Gardes Côtes (Djibouti), and Singida Black Stars (Tanzania)
Although Ethiopia Bunna have yet to issue a formal confirmation, the club revealed on its official Facebook page earlier this week that it had received an invitation. The board is expected to finalize its participation in the coming days.
The tournament will run from September 2-15 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, featuring top clubs from across East and Central Africa. Other participants include Al Hilal Omdurman (Sudan), APR (Rwanda), Vipers (Uganda), Flambeau du Centre (Burundi), Al Ahli (Libya), El Merrikh Bentiu (South Sudan), Mlango (Zanzibar), alongside the Group A opponents.
Sidama Bunna Strengthen Defense with Two New Signings
Despite being unable to officially complete registrations due to an EFF-imposed sanction, Sidama Bunna have reached agreements to sign two defenders from the Ethiopian Higher League.
Moges Tumicha, A central defender who began his career at Hawassa, later playing for Woldiya, Gamo Chencha, and most recently Dessie Ketema in the 2024/25 season. He has now agreed to a two-year deal with Sidama.
Yared Matios, A versatile defender who started at Ethiopia Medhin’s youth team before moving on to Butajira Ketema and most recently Addis Ababa University. He has also signed a two-year contract with the club.
Sidama Bunna Agree to Return 2024/25 Ethiopian Cup Title to Wolaita Dicha
Sidama Bunna have agreed to return the 2024/25 Ethiopian Cup trophy to Wolaita Dicha, following a directive from the Ethiopian Football Federation.
In June 2025, Sidama Bunna defeated Wolaita Dicha in the final to lift what was their first-ever Ethiopian Cup title. However, controversy soon followed when it was revealed that Sidama had fielded ineligible players.
The EFF subsequently nullified Sidama’s victory, awarded the title to Wolaita Dicha by forfeit, and granted them the right to represent Ethiopia in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Sidama Bunna appealed the ruling to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), but their case was dismissed, leaving the EFF’s decision in place.
After months of dispute, Sidama Bunna have now agreed to honor the verdict and formally return the 2024/25 Ethiopian Cup trophy to Wolaita Dicha, officially closing one of the most contentious chapters in recent Ethiopian football.
Sehul Shire Change Name Amid Federation Directive
Sehul Shire have officially changed their name to Shire Medire Genet Football Club, in compliance with an EFF directive requiring clubs to remove ethnic or religious references from their official names.
The club is among the first teams to comply with the regulation, formally notifying the Federation of its new name going forward.
The club has a history of name changes: originally founded as Shire Endasilassie FC, it rebranded to Sehul Shire in 2019 after gaining promotion to the Ethiopian Premier League.
