The 2020/21 BetKing Ethiopian Premier League curtain raiser is set for 12th December with record champions Saint George entertaining Fasil Kenema in Addis Ababa Stadium.
The first five rounds of the fixture will be happening in Addis Ababa due to the COVID 19 pandemic as the Horsemen eye the league title in hope of ending three years drought for the title.
Both Saint George and Fasil Kenema have been the dominant force of Ethiopian club competition since 2016. The Gondar based side have had a strong three seasons trying to end the dominance of Addis Ababa based giants.
The visitors came to this tie fresh from their 2-1 win over US Monastir in CAF Confederation Cup; although they were knocked out of the competition. Their talisman Surafel Dagnachew and striker Mujib Kassim are healthy despite a month-long camp with the national team.
Fasil’s head coach, Seyoum Kebede believes the club is vying for the title this season. “It has been the aim of the club to win the title. Two seasons ago we were so close and now we plan to win it. We brought five players that can make the team much stronger so I trust the squad can grow and challenge for the title.”
Saint George had a mixed preparation period where their head trainer, Ernst Middendrop left the club after barely a month in charge. Maahier Davids is now a caretaker coach heading to the Fasil game.
Saint George will be hoping their summer signings, Addis Gidey and Knean Markneh click as soon as possible. Just like Fasil, Saint George is without any injury problem as the star striker, Salahdin Seid returned to training after a long layoff.
Both sides shared the spoils last season when they met in Gondar. As the season opener fixture both sides will be hoping to collect maximum points as they count on their strong summer signing.
December 12, 2020
15:00 - Saint George vs. Fasil Kenema
Addis Ababa Stadium
