Ethiopia set to take part in the annual Football for Friendship program which will run from June 7-15 in Russian capital Moscow. The program is an international function initiated by the giant Russian natural gas producer Gazprom which aims to develop young talents in football, promote youth football and healthy lifestyle.
The Sewnet Bishaw Football Academy, which happens to be owned by former national side coach Sewnet, will be the first ever Ethiopian academy to feature in such an event. The function brings together football players and journalist kids who are 12 years old from virtually 211 countries. Meninet Abrham, 12, will feature on the event by representing Ethiopia. Meninent is said to be the product of the Sewnet Bishaw Academy.
Mikias Teshome, an aspiring 12 years old sport journalist, will be covering about Meninet’s time in Russia. Mikias is a student at the Italian Community School in Addis Ababa.
The Gazprom Football for Friendship have commenced on 2013. The F4F program’s mission is developing children’s football, promoting youth sport and a healthy lifestyle, fostering tolerance and respect towards other cultures and ethnicities and promoting friendship among children from different countries.
Ethiopian football journalist Mensur Abdulkeni is expected to lead the contingent to Moscow. The contingent includes coach Sewnet, the two participating boys and one family member.
The event includes a mini-tournament while participating kids are expected to attend the 2018 FIFA World Cup opening match between hosts Russia and Saudi Arabia. Youth projects and academies in Ethiopia will be presented with similar events in the near future.
