Ethiopia’s football industry boasts a rich history spanning several decades. Despite being a platform teeming with gifted young talent, the country has struggled to make a significant international impact. While Ethiopia has laid a solid foundation for establishing the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and contributed to the development of African football, it has yet to carve out a sustainable international reputation. This lack of involvement on international football platforms, particularly for promising youth, disheartens fans and football enthusiasts who cherish the sport as a traditional pillar of the community.
Recently, initiatives have emerged that aim to change this narrative and create opportunities for Ethiopia’s talented youth to garner international attention. One noteworthy project is the Edelu Academy, led by Edelu Dereje, a former player of the Ethiopian national team and the Ethiopian Coffee Sports Club.
Having started operations two years ago, the academy focuses on recruiting and training teenagers. Prior to its formal establishment, the founder mentioned that training was conducted intermittently. This year, players from “Ethiopian Coffee” and “Ethiopian Electric” clubs have showcased their skills.
The founder also highlighted the importance of building strong international relationships to develop professional players. There is much to gain by empowering young football players in Ethiopia. However, he acknowledged the serious challenges that hinder progress. One significant issue is the difficulty in acquiring sports equipment, which is crucial for training and development. To address this, the coach emphasized the need for investors from foreign countries to provide support, stating that such efforts are essential for the success of trainees and their ability to gain international recognition.
The coach drew an interesting parallel to Spain’s growth after their victory in the 2010 World Cup, which saw an increase of six percent in his country’s economy.
He explained that focusing on youth and nurturing talent from the ground up contributes significantly to economic development, alongside promoting football. Thus, establishing academies and partnering with international organizations, such as TFA Elite, is seen a strategic approach. The coach expressed hope that government officials would take an active interest in this initiative. In a significant development, the EDY Academy recently signed an international agreement with TFA Elite, a professional football club competing in the third division of the Dubai League. The collaboration focuses on recruiting and training players while also emphasizing opportunities to send them to Europe. This approach not only benefits aspiring players but also presents an economic opportunity for stakeholders involved in the project.
The establishment of academies like the Edelu Academy and the recent agreement with TFA Elite signify a promising shift in Ethiopia’s football landscape. By addressing challenges and fostering international partnerships, these initiatives aim to unlock the potential of young football players, paving the way for their success on the global stage. As Ethiopia continues to nurture its football talent, the hope is that these efforts will lead to a brighter future for the sport in the country.
According to him, TFA Elite is making significant strides in the world of football by not only recruiting talented young athletes from across the globe, including East Africa, but also facilitating their transition to European clubs. In a recent development, the organization has turned its attention to the promising teenagers of Ethiopia.
The founder and coach of EDY Academy has successfully recruited a young player named Nathaniel Ageawi through an international youth recruitment agreement with TFA Elite. A year ago, Nathaniel joined the TFA Academy, and after undergoing rigorous training, he became the first player signed from ten countries worldwide. This achievement has laid the groundwork for a collaborative relationship between the two academies, aimed at nurturing other talented young athletes.
As stated by Ali El Geesh, the technical director of TFA Elite Academy, their mission is to create a professional pathway for young Ethiopian football players and help them reach their full potential. To support this initiative, TFA Elite has recently formed a partnership with **Opportunity Academy (EDWY).
Fuad Hafid, the head coach of TFA Elite, expressed his astonishment at the talent and passion for football displayed by Ethiopian teenagers. He stated that their mission goes beyond helping these young athletes reach their peak; it also aims to lay a solid foundation for the overall development of football in the country. The potential he has witnessed has instilled confidence in the youngsters, encouraging them to elevate both their own skills and the national football landscape.
Following the agreement with Edelu Academy, TFA Elite has begun practical efforts to recruit and train teenagers in Ethiopia. Last week, Coach Semir, one of the academy’s top coaches, traveled to Ethiopia to provide training. Reports indicate that both parents and youths were thrilled during his stay and appreciated the training sessions he conducted. Moreover, Edelu Dereje Academy has collaborated with TFA Elite to offer coaching opportunities to teenagers, allowing the coach to better understand their abilities.
With the collaboration between TFA Elite and local academies, the future looks promising for Ethiopian football talent. By providing access to international training and fostering professional development, these initiatives are set to unlock the potential of young athletes and contribute to the growth of football in Ethiopia.
BY LULSEGED WORKU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 24 AUGUST 2024
