RE:OPEN LETTER ON STATE OF ETHIOPIAN FOOTBALL  WITHOUT  ANY PREJUDICE:

Dear Junedin Basha,

Its with alot of humility that soka25east.com writes this letter hoping that it finds you well and in good health .Ethiopian football fans are the most passionate and interesting in East Africa in itself is a plus to any football administration since many across the region struggle to have fans in the stadium .

We  remember well in 2013 during the Executive Council meeting and subsequent elections held at the Sheraton hotel in Addis Ababa where we were present .The memories are still fresh as you floored your 4 opponents garnering 55 votes out of the total 101 as the delegates from all the regions resoundingly decided to have you as the new EFF President replacing Sahilu Gebrewold who had a succesfull 4 year tenure.It was indeed a sweet victory laced with sweet promises of action and the football loving people of Ethiopia immediately endorsed the federation led by yourself after great years at Harar Beer as the General Manager where you steered the company to prosperity even helping form the Harar Brewery football club.

We  also clearly remember when you took office Walia was one of the biggest football  names in Africa and a team feared  with so much talent as they had for the first time in 31 years qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations hosted by South Africa in 2013 and qualified for World Cup 2014 play offs where they only lost to Champions Nigeria not forgetting the team also qualified for Chan before the legendary Sewnet Bishaw was relieved off his job .

Junedin Basha,Ethiopia Walia was then ranked 93rd in the Coca Cola FIFA rankings and the future looked very bright and promising.However with all due respect the script suddenly changed and it was not business as usual as i quote your words at Sheraton hotel when you took over “We are hopeful to do positive things for Ethiopian football in the days ahead with the support of public particularly the football community,clubs,investors and the government”.

Junedin Basha,I clearly remember the great good will you took over from your predecessor Sahilu Gebrewold who despite so much success was never chosen by his region .However let me point out to you and this is very genuine after alot of talks with the players,fans and other stakeholders its time to pull your socks up and move into action before its late.

Its sad that a recognised FIFA Friendly week can pass without any meaningful match being played and now the ranking has dropped to 102 and players feel so much unused as they compatriots across the region played friendly matches to help build their teams and help players to get better clubs.

Yes i agree you may say finances are the issue but lets all remember that FIFA gave all federations a bonus of $500,000 on top of the annual grants to every federation and to add salt to injury Ethiopia performed dismally in the qualifiers for 2015 Afcon and were a pale shadow of themselves after making a name .

I respect you as a very good administrator but i can tell you without blinking an eyelid that the passionate Ethiopian fans who so much love football and are the best in East and Central Africa   are growing restless and frustrated at the same time   asking alot of questions  knowing very well that elections are just one year away yet things dont look very rosy as you had earlier promised.

Junedin Basha,Its important to leave a legacy in all football matters by ensuring that the federation wakes up from the deep slumber or else it will not be business as usual.You have so much goodwill please use this opportunity to ensure that the team is rebuild and the lost glory found once again by ensuring Walia plays at the very top in important friendly matches just like others teams do.

Club football is also dwindling with only Dedebit  currently in CAF Confederations cup,Mr.President that is a huge statement that needs to be addressed promto.I Still believe you have the will and confidence of the stakeholders but please stand up now and be counted together with the entire EFF Executive members Ethiopia needs change and it should be now.

We all want to sing the beautiful songs of Walia ohh Walia ohh Walia and i can tell you every African country envies the passion of the Ethiopian fans who go out of their way to work hard and watch football in the stadiums and not televisions like other countries.

Junedin Basha,We know your strengths in management in the private sector its your time to shine and also make a name as a top football administrator by having people who can advice you and show you the way forward before its too late since the elections date is fast approaching and the country and football delegates will ask for Junedin Basha report  card.

I want to wish you the best and say with confidence that yes Junedin Basha can still do it but remember Mr.President time is running out and not on your side we want to once again hear the name of Ethiopia and Walia being talked across every country in Africa its not over until its over all the best and hope you listen to this open letter that has been both sincere and to the point.God bless Ethiopia and God bless Ethiopian football the ball is in your court Mr.President

Yours Sincerely

Soka25east.com

Collins Okinyo

Ex- CAF Media Expert. An expert on African football with over 15 years experience ,always with an ear to the ground with indepth knowledge of the game. I have worked for top publications including 7 years at www.supersport.com until i founded www.soka25east.com to quench the thirst of football lovers across the continent. I have trained young upcoming journalists who are now a voice in African football.I have covered World Cup,AFCON,CHAN,Champions League,Confederations Cup,Cecafa,Cosafa,Wafu and many other football tournaments across the World. Founder Football Africa Arena(FAA),Founder www.afrisportdigital.com