Seyoum Kebede has quit as coach of Ethiopian Premier League newbies Addis Ababa FC. Asrat Abate, head of coach of the women’s team takes over immediately.
Addis Ababa FC acquired topflight status this year after just five years of existence in the lower leagues, however, they are seriously facing relegation after a poor start to the season.
The team is currently rock bottom in the 16-team league with 10 points in 16 outings.
“There were challenging moments for me in getting some crucial support from the board but, I would like to thank them for the support and my coaching career will continue,” Seyoum, a former international and national team coach told Soka25east.com.
He joined the team last year from Yemen side Wehda Sanaia – guiding them to second place in the Super League Group “B” and a place on the table of men.
Meanwhile, Asrat is confident he can help the team avoid the axe, “Yes, why not? I will try to work hard to stay in the league with support of the players. Some positions have a problem but the squad is not bad. The players are young and are playing good football, so together we must work hard.”
Asrat, famed for his incredible work with various women teams in the country, has his work cut out for him. He has previously coached Dedebit’s women team, as well as U17 and U20 national teams.
His first assignment will be a league match away to Jimma Aba Bunna in Jimma over the weekend.
-Additional reporting by Timotios Baye.
