Recently, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) announced a plan to revamp the Diamond League by reducing the series and canceling the 5000 meter race, starting in 2020, which leaves the 3,000 meter as the longest race on the tournament. After the announcement, Eastern Africa countries, including Ethiopia, which have historically performed very well in long distance races pushed back against the IAAF’s decision, saying it will hurt not only athletes but athletics. EBR’s adjunct writer Abiy Wendiferaw, who spoke to athletes and sport administrators reports on the justification behind the decision and the reaction from Eastern Africa countries.

Even though women’s football has become more and more respected around the world, female football players face challenges to which many people turn a blind eye. Besides the normally publicized troubles of lower wages, fewer sponsors and less support, women in Ethiopia who play football have to contend with another challenge: questions from the greater society about their gender. To be taken seriously, many are finding that they have to suppress their femininity, something which can leave lasting scars, as EBR Adjuct Writer Abiy Wendifraw found out.

Senay Football Club

Close to three percent of the total population in Ethiopia is believed to live with disabilities. Out of the total disabled people living in the country, about 14.4Pct (1.5 million) have a hearing disability. Despite its vast size, the deaf community in Ethiopia is deprived of many basic rights and many are unable to enjoy their lives. However, Senay Deaf Football Club, which was established by Endaleyesus Abate, the former manager of Addis Ababa City Football Club and few strong individuals hearing disability is trying to change this. Established in May 2017, Senay has carried out several promising activities in terms of legalizing the football club, creating a platform for disabled people and building international relationships with parallel clubs in other countries. EBR Adjunct Writer Abiy Wendifraw who visited the team in the training session reflects on their accomplishments and future plans.

The Celebrated Marathon Runner

Born in 1965, Belayneh Densamo is one of Ethiopia‘s legendary
marathon runners. Although he won many tournaments since his first international marathon in Japan in 1986, none of them compare to Belayneh’s victory in Rotterdam in 1988, where he broke the world record with a finishing time of 2:06.50. Belayneh held this world record for 10 years, the third longest span without the record being broken since the event was organized at the 1896 Olympics. EBR Adjunct Writer Abiy Wondifraw spoke with him about his victory in Rotterdam in 1988 and his disappointment about not running in the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games.

Cultural games have been played for many years in Ethiopia. They have been passed on from generation to generation. While some sports are more indigenous played in one area or community others have a nationwide coverage. Although their benefits are immense, traditional sports still have little attention in Ethiopia as EBR Adjunct Writer Abiy Wondifraw reports.

Success in the Face of Stereo Types

Just two months ago, Senait Bogale was crowned the Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation Sports Personality of the Year in the female footballers’ category. Inspired by her siblings, four of whom are professional footballer players, Senait’s journey to success began at the age of 13 when she entered a local football training project where only boys were welcome. It did not take long for her to win the hearts of recruiters and win the Women’s Premier League title and other trophies with Dedebit Football Club. She was also part of the U20 national team in 2016. EBR Adjunct Writer Abiy Wendifraw sat down with the 20 year-old footballer to learn about her journey and future hope.

Are football Players in Ethiopia Overpaid?

In Ethiopia, football players are earning jaw-dropping salaries. Indeed, they have skyrocketed during the past few decades. The trend began in 2008 and started to pick up steam over the past five years. While this has helped football players earn millions, it has had an adverse impact on the financial outlook of the clubs. Salaries paid to footballers account for over 90Pct of the budget of the clubs. This coupled with the mismatch between the growth in income and salary expenses of the clubs, had affected their performance and of course their very existence, as EBR adjunct writer Abiy Wondifraw reports.

Despite the availability of many lakes and rivers, Ethiopians have yet to embrace the sport of swimming. Many are hard-pressed to name any professional Ethiopian swimming icons. Lack of proper attention given to the activity, shortage of financing as well as the unavailability of swimming facilities is hindering the sport from growing, as EBR adjunct writer Abiy Wendifraw reports.

Ethiopia Broadens its Focus To Recruit Future Talent

The 2018 World U20 Championships, also known as the World Junior Championships, took place at Ratina Stadium in Tampere, Finland from July 10-15 2018. Solomon Barega and Tilahun Haile were among the 36 Ethiopian athletes who participated in the Championships. They come from Quante, a small town located in the Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples (SNNP) state, which has similar topography and weather conditions as Bekoji, known for producing many of Ethiopia’s Olympic medallists. As EBR adjunct writer Abiy Wondifraw, found out unlike the previous trend of recruiting from only a few places, more athletes are now coming from all corners of the country including Quante, to represent Ethiopia on the national stage.

It is common to see the firing and appointment of many coaches in the Ethiopian Premier League, in which 16 clubs are participating currently. Even in the 2017/18 season, 12 premier league clubs have terminated and hired coaches. However, most clubs still struggling not to be demoted from the league. Insiders believe that the new trend of sacking coaches exposes the incompetence of the country’s football administration. EBR adjunct writer Abiy Wondifraw looks in to the issue.