Ethiopia has long been a welcoming destination for Ugandan footballers, both in the past and today.
This season, the trend continues, with a growing number of Ugandan players making their mark in the Ethiopian Premier League, often called the “Cradle of Humankind.”
New Format for the Ethiopian Premier League
The Ethiopian Premier League (EPL) is rolling out a new format for the upcoming season. Here’s what’s changing:
- Twenty teams will compete, divided into two groups of ten.
- Each group will play five matches per matchday, with a two to three-day recovery period between games.
- After matchday nine, five teams from each group will switch, ensuring every club meets during the season.
- A total of 380 matches will be played across the campaign.
Games will be hosted in several cities, including Addis Ababa, Adama, Dire Dawa, Hawassa, and possibly Bahir Dar later in the season.
The Sheger Derby: A Classic Rivalry
The Sheger Derby remains the biggest fixture in Ethiopian football, pitting fierce rivals Ethiopian Bunna against St. George.
This season’s derby had a notable Ugandan touch, with Shaban Muhammad making his debut for Ethiopian Bunna, coming on in the second half.
Other Ugandans in the Ethiopian Premier League
Several Ugandan players are featuring prominently in Ethiopia this season:
- Simon Peter Lokech is in his third season with Ethiopian Nigd Bank.
- Brian Aheebwa is playing his second season with Arba Minch.
- Geofrey Wasswa joined Fasil Kenema from Ethiopian Bunna this season.
- Alionzi Nafian is the first-choice goalkeeper for Mechal.
- Allan Kayiwa plays for Ethiopian Insurance.
- Charles Musiige is entering his fourth season with Dire Dawa.
