Connect with us

Ethiopian Premier League 2016/17 season comes to a close today after a gruesome campaign which saw St. George reaffirm their superiority in Ethiopia’s club football.

Addis Ababa giants St. George FC will officially be crowned champions after securing a fourth straight title for a record 14th time.

Debebit FC’s Getane Kebede, who is the leading top scorer with 23 goals, will be gunning to break Yordanos Abay’s 15-year-old record of the highest goals haul in a season of 24 goals.

All eyes will however will be trailed on the bottom half of the league, where up-to six clubs are facing the dreaded relegation axe.

Newbies Addis Ababa Kenema FC have already kissed the grass with two more slots to be filled in the second division.

Hawassa Kenema, Arbaminch Kenema. Woliyta Dicha, Ethio Electric, Jimma Aba Buna, Dire Dawa Kenema and Ethiopia Nigid Bank are all relegation candidates and only a win in their respective fixtures could save their skins.

St. George will host 15th placed Nigid Bank on their big day and will be looking to crown their brilliant campaign with a win. The Bankers on the other hand will be desperate for a win they badly need to maintain their premier league status.

Dire Dawa versus Jimma Aba Buna will be a cracker by all standards. With equal points (32) at positions 14th and 13th respectively, the winner of this tie will zoom to safety.

Two times champions Ethio-Electric formerly known as Mebrate Hayle boasts an enviable history and have never been relegated from the topflight. However, for the fourth season running, they will be fighting tooth and nail to remain in the EPL.

Placed 12th in the league standings, the electricity men will have to beat Hawassa Kenama to be safe.

Also in the race to avoid the chop in Woliyta Dicha, who face second placed Dedebit. Only a win will guarantee Dicha’s safety.


The Full Fixtures:

Adama Kenema vs Fasil Kenema
Hawassa Kenema vs Ethio-Electric
Dire Dawa vs Jimma Aba Bunna
Ethiopia Bunna vs Arbaminch Kinema
Sidama Bunna vs Defense
St. George vs Ethiopia Nigid Bank
Woliyta Dicha Dedebit
Woldya Kenema vs Addis Ababa Ketema

African Football Writer contributing @Soka25east | Commentator; appeared on @MySoccerAfrica, @KweseSports, @ntvkenya, others | Keen follower of African Football. E-mail: bonfaceosano@gmail.com

More in