From War to the Pitch
The Inspiring Return of Sports in Tigray
Due to the war in the Tigray region, sports activities were halted, resulting in significant repercussions for individuals whose livelihoods depended on sports. Tragically, some players were compelled to join the war, leading to the loss of lives and severe injuries. However, a new ray of hope has emerged for the region with the Pretoria agreement. As part of the process to return to normalcy, the resumption of sports has been prioritized. The Ethiopian Football Federation has recently announced that Tigray clubs will be able to participate in competitions starting from the following season. In light of this development, EBR’s Dr. Brook Genene examined the factors that influenced this decision and explored the profound significance of sports for the people in the region.
On March 16, 2020, at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ethiopia, an announcement was made to suspend all sporting events for the subsequent two weeks. This precautionary measure was useful in evaluating the seriousness and extent of the infection before determining the most effective approach to managing the pandemic. Consequently, the Ethiopian Premier League was also halted, and subsequently, a decision was made to cancel the entire season.
Spectators were eagerly anticipating the resumption of Ethiopia’s top-flight league. Matthias Hailemariam, a 28-year-old football reporter for Soccer Ethiopia, a local website covering Ethiopian football comprehensively, was among those eagerly awaiting the restart to continue sharing local football narratives.
Matthias resides in Mekelle, where he predominantly covers clubs in the Tigray region. His work entails providing match reports and exclusive news related to local football. Simultaneously, he pursued journalism and communication studies at a private college. However, in October 2020, while preparing for work, an unfortunate event unfolded. A war erupted between the Federal government and Tigray forces, causing widespread regional disruption. Matthias was among the numerous individuals profoundly impacted by the two-year-long civil war.
“I lost not only my work but also my source of entertainment,” Matthias laments as he recalls the impact of suspending football activities in the region. However, the absence of football was the least of his concerns. During that time, the region faced severe challenges, such as a lack of network connectivity, water scarcity, and the unavailability of banking services. In such dire circumstances, Matthias had no alternative but to leave the city and join the war effort in the desert near the Afar region.
“There were only a few people who didn’t join the war,” Matthias explains, highlighting the lack of alternatives. “The first three to four months were extremely challenging,” he tells EBR. Matthias had to adapt to a drastically different reality, shifting from the familiar environment of a football pitch to the harshness of combat in the desert. However, the challenges were far from over. Matthias contracted malaria, and with the unavailability of proper medical treatment, he was compelled to return to Mekelle.
The war has resulted in lost lives, displacement, and damage to critical infrastructure. While these consequential aspects have profoundly affected the people, something often overlooked and seen as an afterthought has created significant gaps – the realm of sports. Sports, in general, are deeply loved and followed by many in the region. They serve as a gathering place where people can enjoy their free time with friends and where rivalries take on a deeper meaning. The sizable stadium in Mekelle is a prime example reflecting people’s passionate attachment to the beautiful game. It is a sight to behold, with waves of red and white colours filling the stadium.
While Mekelle were champions during the 2018/19 season, the other representatives from the Tigray region, Welwalo Adigrat and Sehul Shire, also amassed a sizeable following that added further aesthetic appeal to the league.
With limited affordable entertainment options available, football and sports, in general, provide much-needed respite for the people. While the disruption of sporting activities may not be the top priority when a society is embroiled in war and financial crises, its absence leaves a noticeable gap. Matthias notes that even following European football was challenging during that period. “I remember watching the Euros (held in the summer of 2021), and that was a welcome distraction,” he reflects.
After the Pretoria agreement between the Federal government and TPLF, steps were taken to restart normal activities in the region. The resumption of sporting activities was part of the effort to help society return to its daily life. The Tigray Football Federation began working on facilitating the clubs ‘ return to the league they had previously participated in. However, their efforts were dealt a significant blow when the Ethiopian Football Federation announced that the clubs would have to compete in a league one division lower than they had been a part of. This decision sparked significant controversy.
“We did not accept the initial decision because there was nothing in the law that prohibited the clubs from resuming competition,” stated Moges Tefera, the Tigray Football Federation general secretary. Moges explained that they had been working extensively to revive the clubs, and the decision from the Football Federation came as a significant shock.
Explaining the rationale behind the initial decision not to allow the clubs to continue in their respective leagues, Ethiopian Football Federation General Secretary Bahiru Tilahun stated, “If a club interrupts a competition for a reason beyond their control for a year, then they will be allowed to return.” He further elaborated that if the interruption exceeds two years, the Federation’s Federation’s rulebook requires a more thorough assessment of the situation and a decision by the Executive Committee.
Bahiru states that when the Pretoria agreement was first made, no specific details about how to restore sports activities were included. However, after the Ministry of Culture and Sports explained the situation to the Ethiopian Football Federation, the executive committee ultimately decided to allow the clubs to return to their respective leagues.
“The Ethiopian Football Federation’s executive committee was responsible for deciding whether to receive the directive from the government. Some people may view this as government intervention, but the federation endorsed the decision, so there is no controversy,” Bahiru tells EBR. He adds that the decision was communicated to the Premier League Share Company, which is responsible for administering the league. This paved the way for the much-anticipated return of football clubs in Tigray, who have endured significant hardships.
“After the war ended, the clubs existed in name only. The damage was so extensive, and a lot of work needed to be done,” Moges tells EBR. He explains that the clubs had to be creative in finding support and raising funds. To keep the clubs active and the players fit, the Tigray Football Federation launched the Anbessa Cup. By collaborating with Anbessa Bank, who offered more than one million birr for the competition, sporting activities were restored in the region. “We agreed not to pay any player more than 30,000 birrs per month,” Moges says as he elaborates on how they could utilize the available budget.
Recently, the Ethiopian Football Federation announced that clubs in Tigray will be allowed to return to their respective leagues. All fans of local football warmly welcomed this decision. Mekelle 70 Enderta, Welwalo Adigrat, and Sehul Shire will all return to the top division. This means the number of clubs in the Ethiopian Premier League will increase to 19 for one season.
“The decision to reverse the previous one was crucial,” Moges tells EBR. The feeling among fans is one of excitement. “We have come through a harsh situation. The atmosphere is not the same as before, but we are seeing changes in Adigrat, Axum, and Shire, where fans pay up to 50 birrs to enter games,” Moges adds. However, he notes that Mekelle’s feelings are not at the expected level.
During the Anbessa Cup, talented local players have found a place in teams and an opportunity to showcase their talent. Awards are given to the best players in each match, facilitated by collaborating with the Wanaw Sports brand.
Moges describes the current relationship with the Ethiopian Football Federation as very good. “They are helping us train the coaches. There was a recent training for the D license,” he says. At the same time, he stresses, “The damage to the clubs is so serious. Fundraising programs have been planned to help the clubs return to competition.”
Matthias has resumed his journalism career and finished his studies. He looks forward to covering the clubs again. After the network returned to Tigray and the war stopped, he first began calling his colleagues. He remembers how emotional those calls were. Matthias now has the chance to start again, just like the clubs. He is looking forward to covering the beautiful game regularly and being absorbed by it. EBR
12th Year • June 2024 • No. 130
