Bamlak announces retirement, Getaneh poised for Bunna Move, CBE prepares for nirobi trip, WPL kicks off. August 31 Ethiopian Football Roundup…
Bamlak Tessema Announces Retirement
After a long and distinguished career on both domestic and international stages, Bamlak Tessema has announced his retirement from refereeing.
Well known for officiating matches at major competitions, including the World Cup, AFCON and the Olympics, Bamlak has been one of Ethiopia’s most respected referees.
Today, the Ethiopian Football Federation confirmed that Bamlak has communicated his decision to step away from refereeing.
CBE Women’s Prepares for Nairobi Trip
The 2024/25 EWPL champions, CBE, are wrapping up their local camp ahead of the CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA qualifiers.
The tournament is set to kick off in Nairobi, on September 2, with CBE competing in Group B alongside Burundi’s Top Girls and Rwanda’s Rayon Sports.
After a final training session in Addis Ababa, the delegation consisting of 22 players, 7 coaching staff, and 3 management officials will depart for Nairobi tomorrow at 23hr30.
The team’s opening match will take place on Thursday, September 4, at 14hr00, against Rwanda’s Rayon Sports, with their second group match scheduled for September 10 at 16hr00 against Burundi’s Top Girls.
Ashenafi Haftu Renews with Mekelle 70 Enderta
Mekelle 70 Enderta have reached an agreement to extend the contract of winger Ashenafi Haftu for another year.
A product of Mekelle’s youth team, Ashenafi has been an integral part of the squad for several years. In the recently concluded season the winger featured in 23 matches, playing a total of 1,352 minutes and contributing two goals for the club.
After a brief six-month spell with Kirkos in 2023, Ashenafi returned to Mekelle 70 Enderta to continue his football career. Now, he has committed his future to the club for one more season.
What’s next for Getaneh Kebede ?
After concluding his spell with Fasil Kenema, speculation is growing around the next move for star striker Getaneh Kebede. The three-time Ethiopian Premier League top scorer has been linked with several clubs. However, sources close to the matter have confirmed to Soccer Ethiopia that Ethiopia Bunna is currently the most likely destination for the prolific forward.
According to the sources, negotiations between the two sides are progressing well and an agreement could be finalized as early as tomorrow or Tuesday.
2025/26 Ethiopia Women’s Premier League Kicks Off
The 2025/26 season of the Ethiopia Women’s Premier League officially began today at Abebe Bikila Stadium with three opening matches.
In the opening game, Addis Ababa secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Lideta, thanks to Alemnesh Geremew’s second half goal. The other two fixtures, Arbaminch vs Yirgacheffe Bunna and Sidama Bunna vs Bole, ended in goalless draws.
Mechal Parts Ways with Captain
Minyilu Wondimu has parted ways with Mechal. Apart from brief spells at Wolaita Dicha and Bahir Dar Ketema, Minyilu has spent his entire professional career serving Mechal, even become the club’s captain for several seasons.
According to the latest information, Minyilu and Mechal have now agreed to go their separate ways.