After two previous postponements due to political unrest, new look 2016/17 Ethiopian premier league season is finally set for Saturday, November 12, 2016 kick-off.

The topflight has been expanded to 16-teams up from 14, and is expected to be more competitive and exciting with more matches to play.

Back to back champions St. George F.C, the country’s representatives in the CAF Champions League next year, start off title defense against Arbaminch City at Addis stadium in the only match of the day.

“The Horsemen” will be without Ugandan trio, goalkeeper Robert Odongkara, defender Isaac Isinde and former Orlando Pirates attacking midfielder Yasser Mugerwa who are out on national duty in World Cup qualifiers.

Pundits tip teams like Ethiopian Coffee, Dedebit, Defense and Adama City who have for the first time crossed the boarders to beef-up their squads with fresh talents, to give St. George a run for their money, and possibly clip their dominance in the local scene.

Seven more matches are lined-up Sunday 13, including a derby pitting last season’s runners up Ethiopian Coffee against Dedebit at Addis Stadium.

Eyes will also be trailed on the four new entrants, Jimma Aba Bunna, Woldia City, Addis Ababa City and Fasil Kenema City, as they begin a journey on the table of men.

Full Week 1 Fixtures:

Saturday 12

St.George vs Arbaminch City – Addis Ababa Stadium

Sunday 13

Ethiopian Coffee vs Dedebit – Addis Ababa Stadium

Sidama Coffee vs Fasil Kenema – Yirgalem

Woliata Dicha vs Defense – Sodo

Woldia city vs Ethiopia Nigid Bank – Woldia

Adama City vs Dire-Dawa City – Adama

Jimma Aba Bunna vs Ethio-Electric – Jimma

Hawassa City vs Addis-Ababa City -Hawassa Stadium

-Report compiled by Firew Asrat.