The Ethiopian national team played its two AFCON 2023 qualifiers against Guinea in Morocco. After the games, Ethiopia Football Federation’s General Secretary Bahiru Tilahun spoke to Soccer Ethiopia about the reception they got.
” The Ethiopian Football Federation has started working closely with its Moroccan counterpart after the reelection of Esayas Jira as President of the federation. Since Morocco is in a very good state regarding their football we tried to take lessons from them and also find a way to facilitate the training of coaches.”
“ In terms of technology, we’ve also tried to look at what is available to them and what is a problem when it comes to our setting. We plan on sending someone from our side to take lessons.”
Who initiated the desire to work together?
“ It was a mutual thing. Our president wanted to work on these matters and Morocco was willing to share its experience with the rest of Africa.
Will the work start soon ?
” Regarding infrastructure, we’re currently at the stage of exchanging ideas and sharing experiences. We also want to work together regarding the quality of referees. “
What will the Morroco Federation gain from the agreement?
“ Most of the benefit is for us. We’re good students. They’re in a good condition and so they want other African countries to keep growing as well. We have elite referees like Bamlack Tessema so those types of assets might play a role in our work.”
What have you learned from your stay in Morocco?
“ We have seen that Morocco isn’t only working on football but other sports as well. There are sports facilities everywhere. The quality of those facilities is at a high level and helps the youth spend time playing football. I wish that we can bring this type of culture to Addis Ababa and other cities. There are some strides from the government but we need to work more and learn from Morroco.”
What do you say about the reception and care given by the Moroccan Football Federation ?
“It is indeed like The Moroccan Football Federation has been telling before we arrived. They helped us more than we expected, from arranging everything from the reception to organizing the matches. To be honest, the focus is almost as if they are hosting their own national team. We would like to take this opportunity to express our deepest gratitude to the Moroccan Football Federation for what they are doing for us. This is a great support. On this occasion, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to the honorable president of the Ethiopian Football Federation, Ato Isaias Jira too, who created this opportunity for us. A person with a head is often not thanked, so if he had not created this thing, we would not have been able to do anything. We would spend a lot of money. The Morocco Football Federation has been offering us the things that we want to feel at home. I have no words to thank them. We sincerely thank everyone for everything they have done for us. It’s a big burden they have lifted for us. I would like to say Thank you ! again for that.”
What next?
“ We will continue cooperating with other federations. We also have a relationship with Israel Football Federation. But it is important not to always be dependent. We need to make the best out of these deals and put the lessons to ground.”
