Kenean weighing up options, Addis Ababa Stadium Set for Premier League Return, Dire Dawa Land Two New Signings. Here are the latest news in brief from Ethiopian football
Kenean weighing up options between Libya, US, and possible homecoming
Ethiopian National Team attacking Midfielder Kenean Markneh has been offered a contract extension by Libyan Premier League side Shabab Al Ghar, following an impressive spell in the Libyan league.
Kenean began last season with Al Medina SC, scoring three goals in eight matches before transferring to Shabab Al Ghar. Since joining, he has made 14 appearances and scored six goals, becoming a key part of the club’s attacking options.
He also caught attention during Ethiopia’s recent friendly match against D.C. United in the United States, where he stood out in the eyes of DC United scouts..
While Shabab Al Ghar has officially tabled an offer to extend his contract, sources confirm that no final agreement has been reached at this stage.
In addition, several Ethiopian Premier League clubs have reportedly opened talks with the goal-scoring midfielder as they seek to secure his signature for the upcoming season.
Addis Ababa Stadium Set for Premier League Return?
After years of absence from hosting top-flight football, there is a hope that the historic Addis Ababa Stadium could once again stage Ethiopian Premier League matches.
The iconic venue has not hosted men’s Premier League fixtures since 2020/21 season due to renovation works and other related issues. However, according to information obtained by Soccer Ethiopia, recent developments suggest that the stadium is close to welcoming back league competition.
On Friday, Ethiopian Football Federation President Isayas Jira, Premier League Share Company President Leutenant Fekade Mamo, CEO Bahiru Tilahun, and League Share Company General Manager Kifle Seyfe met with Addis Ababa Mayor Adanech Abiebie at her office.
Sources indicate that the discussions were positive, raising strong expectations that Addis Ababa Stadium will soon resume hosting competitive matches.
If confirmed, the return of league football to the nation’s oldest stadium would mark a significant milestone for both the league and the fans who have long awaited its revival.
Shire Medre Genet Strengthen Squad with Four New Signings
Shire Medre Genet, under new coach Daniel Tsehaye, have reinforced their squad by signing four players over the past two days.
The first arrival is Tekalign Dejene, a left-back who last season played for Fasil Kenema. The experienced defender previously represented Dedebit, Ethiopia Bunna, Arba Minch Ketema, and Ethiopia Medhin, and has also featured for the Ethiopian national team. Following the completion of his contract with the Emperors, he has now joined Shire Medre Genet.
The second signing is goalkeeper Mekbib Degefu, who spent last season with Sidama Bunna and Mekelle 70 Enderta. The shot-stopper began his career at Hawassa Ketema and later played for Wolaitta Dicha. He is best known for his long service with Sidama Bunna before a brief spell at Mekelle last season. He now continues his career with Shire.
The third arrival is experienced midfielder Behailu Girma, who played 28 matches, totaling 1,947 minutes for his former club Mechal last season. After many years with the club, Behailu has parted ways and signed for Shire Medre Genet.
The fourth addition is young defender Tsegab Yohannes. Having developed in Hawassa Ketema’s youth team, he was promoted to the senior side six years ago and has since served the club. With his contract expiring, the promising center-back has now joined Shire.
Ethio Electric Sign Two Players
The reds have secured two attacking players from the higher league, Beza Medhin and Hassen Hussen.
Beza Medhin, the forward, previously played in the Premier League for Wolkite and is well-known for his multiple spells with higher league clubs such as Gelan Ketema, Hambaricho, and Nekemte Ketema. After showcasing consistent form in the league, he has now joined Ethio Electric.
The second arrival is forward Hasen Hussen, who made a significant impact after helping Robe earn promotion to the higher league. Hasen, a standout performer over the past three seasons at Bench Maji Bunna, now continues his career at Ethio Electric.
Dire Dawa Land Two New Signings, Renew One
Dire Dawa Ketema have strengthened their squad with the addition of two new players while also securing a contract extension for another.
The first signing is Aschalew Tamene, who made 25 appearances for Mechal last season and recently captained the Ethiopian national team.
Joining him is Abdisa Jemal, a Premier League champion with Medhin, who spent the last 18 months at the club and played his role in their title-winning campaign.
Meanwhile, long-serving midfielder Muhdin Musa has agreed to extend his stay at Dire Dawa. Having featured in 20 matches last season and accumulating 958 minutes, Muhdin will now continue with the Oranges for a ninth consecutive year.
