All eyes will be on the Adama Science and Technology University stadium over the next two months as Ethiopia’s top clubs lock horns in a series of pulsating matchups. The highly anticipated 2023/2024 Ethiopian Premier League season is set to run from its opening day on October 1st through to the final matches on November 25th.
With the new EPL season just days away from kicking off, clubs have been honing their squads throughout the offseason in various preseason competitions.
The inclusion of the newly promoted sides Commercial Bank, Shashamene City, and Hambricho Durame is expected to inject fresh blood into the top flight, adding further excitement for the new campaign.
However, the pressures of competing in the premier league await these promoted teams, who will all need to demonstrate their abilities against Ethiopia’s elite sides.
The opening weekend is primed to set the tone for the season. Adama City welcome Commercial Bank in the inaugural tie, while Sidama Coffee and Ethiopia Coffee do battle in the other fixture on October 1. Three days later, action continues as Shashamene City take on Woliata Dicha and Hambricho Durame make their top-flight bow against Dire Dawa.
On October 6th, fans can look forward to a match between Shashamene City and Woliata Dicha, as well as the league debut of Hambricho Durame against Dire Dawa City.
In the build-up to the new season, teams have been leaving no stone unturned in their preparations. All clubs have been actively acquiring players and extending contracts to strengthen their rosters.
Participation in other competitions has also provided valuable opportunities to fine-tune ahead of the season opener. The Addis Ababa City Cup allowed clubs like Saint George to test themselves. Down south, the Goffere Cup in Hawassa gave a platform for regional powers like Woliata Dicha and Hambricho Durame to showcase their abilities.
Through preseason friendlies and cup competitions, teams have had opportunities to identify their strengths and weaknesses while experimenting with different tactics, gaining invaluable match experience that will benefit them during the grind of the upcoming season.
Having utilized the preparation period to hone technique and unite as squads, Ethiopia’s top teams are primed to deliver an unforgettable season of thrills and spills – but first, the long-awaited kickoff beckons on October 1st.
