Many pundits may have known Ethiopia for its prowess in athletics rather than football.
Yet many will agree with me that, despite the expected Fifa disciplinary
action where the Walia Antelopes will be docked three points for using
an ineligible player (Teshome Beyene) against Botswana, they are still
the best side in group A. Despite the oversight by the federation they
deserve kudos for a job well done.
Ethiopia's rise has not been a fluke as many may think. What we are
seeing now is the manifestation of their bright and positive performance
in the 2013 Afcon, hosted by South Africa, where they stunned everyone
with their superb game.
Under the tutelage of Coach Sewnet Bishaw, Ethiopia are proving to be a
football powerhouse in East Africa and across Southern Africa and
Central Africa, causing panic among champions, such as such as South
Africa, who lost to them in Addis Ababa in theWorld Cup qualifiers.
Talking to the Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF) president and the
coach on the secret of their great success, their answers were the same;
unity, teamwork, hard work and commitment. One major aspect that left
me surprised and elated is that they believe that the name in front of
the jersey (ETHIOPIA) is more important than the name at the back of the
jersey. This means they do not believe in playing as individuals but
rather as a team.
Talking of Walia Antelopes, it is important to touch on the passionate
fans, who have stood by the team and believed in them. I was in Addis
Ababa for the do-or-die match between Ethiopia and South Africa and the
atmosphere at the national stadium was breathtaking. I can say that in
my entire football life I have not witnessed such a passionate, cheering
and massive crowd of supporters. They spent the previous night by the
stadium waiting for tickets for the match. It was an awesome experience
indeed.
Walia Antelopes could well be the first team in East Africa to qualify
for the World Cup, having gone unbeaten so far in the group stages. This
is a dream that not many pundits foresaw, especially for a country that
some years back was hardly known in football circles,
Irrespective of the expected verdict from Fifa about fielding the
ineligible player, the Walias have demonstrated a high level of
discipline and unity that is cultivating fruits of success within the
team.
I salute their EFF, the players, the coach and the fans for the morale
they have wired into the boys. I only wish other East African countries
could emulate it.
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