Despite Hawassa Kenema seniors floundering in the Ethiopian Premier League this season, their juniors have been bullish – clinching both the U17 and the U20 titles.

The lake side town of Hawassa is bubbling after Hawassa Kenema U20 outfit clinched the inaugural U20 league, which comprised 12 teams.

The team managed 47 points to ward off stiff competition from Adama Kenema and Ethiopian Bunna, who finished second and third respectively.

Hawassa also bagged the U17 crown, which they managed to retain in its second season.

Seventeen teams grouped in two zones took part with Hawassa and St. George winning their respective groups.

The two sides faced-off in the play-offs, with Hawassa winning 4-2 on post-match penalties after a barren draw in normal time. Nigid Bank finished in the third position.

Hawassa is famed for producing top talents in the country. The town is dotted with numerous open dusty fields, which youths use to enjoy and learn the beautiful game.

Some of the talents to have emerged from the town includes Adane Girma, Shimeles Bekele, Bahailu Assefa and the great Mulugeta Mihret.