Ethiopian Premier League 2017/18 season starts today with three matches lined-up across the country.
Teams that have contributed more than three players to the national team for the CHAN 2018 playoff have been excused.
It will be the 21st edition of the topflight in its current form.
New entrants Jimma Aba Jifar will host Hawassa Kenema at Jimma Stadium in one of the fixtures today.
Jimma is under the tutelage of former Ethiopia national team coach Gebremethin Haile who last season failed to steer Jimma Aba Buna off relegation.
Hawassa will miss the services of head coach Wubtu Abate who is still serving a 6-month suspension for indiscipline.
His deputy Mulugeta Mihret will be incharge.
Another newly promoted side Mekelle Kenema will travel south to take on Arbaminch Kenema.
Mekelle managed to secure the services of former Walia Ibex coach Ethiopian-American Yohannes Sahle last week as they seek to remain in the topflight.
Arbaminch are coached by veteran tactician Tsegaye Kidanemariam who last month guided the team to Castle Cup victory.
In the other match of the day, Woldia Kenema will take on Adama Kenema at Sheikh Mohammed Alamoudi Stadium, Woldia.
The team also shook its technical bench by appointing Zimariam Woldergiorges as new coach in the summer.
More matches will be played Sunday with newbies Welwalo Adigrate taking on Fasil Kenama at Adigrate Stadium near the Ethiopian border with Eritrea in the northern tip.
Defending champions St. George will be out of action same as Ethiopia Buna who have contributed more players to the national team.
Fixtures:
Saturday
Jimma Aba Jifar vs Hawassa Kenema- Jimma Stadium
Arbaminch Kenema vs Mekelle Kenema- Arbaminch Stadium
Woldia kenema vs Adama Kenema- Sheikh Al-Moudi Stadium
Sunday
Welwalo Adigrate University vs Fasil Kenema- Adigrate University.
Monday
Dedebit vs Woliyta Dicha- Addis-Ababa Stadium
Tuesday
Ethio-electric vs defence force – Addis-ababa stadium
St. George vs Dire-Dawa Kenema – postponed
Ethiopia Buna vs Sidama Buna- postponed
