CBE Ethiopian Premier League side Sheger Ketema has signed striker Biniam Fikiru from Saint George on a free transfer. The newly promoted side has been active during the league break after firing their head coach, Ashenafi Bekele, citing poor performance, as they won only four times in 19 games.

Fikiru joined Saint George last season after failed tryouts in Egypt. His impressive form with Wolayta Dicha attracted many suitors in Ethiopia, but he chose the Horsemen. After his first season with the record Ethiopian champions, Fikiru performed poorly during the first half of the 2025/26 season as he struggled to score goals.

Bitter exit leads to Fikiru’s arrival at Sheger Ketema

The arrival of Abel Yalew from Egyptian side ZED FC complicated things, with Fikiru usually deployed as a right winger, leaving Yalew as the center forward. Close sources told Pan-Africa Football that Fikiru was dissatisfied with his new role at the club, as he failed to score in 12 games.

Fikiru was seen arguing with head coach Fasil Tekalegn during a league match in which he was substituted. He signed for his new club on a free transfer on a one-and-a-half-year contract. Sheger Ketema will use Fikiru as a replacement for their summer marquee signing, Anteneh Tefera, who left to join Bahir Dar Ketema.

Fikiru is expected to compete for a place with Bulcha Shura and Ethiopian U17 star Dawit Kassaw. He seeks to revive his career and earn another call-up to the Ethiopian national side.

iniam Fikiru Completes Major Move to Sheger Ketema After Saint George Exit

CBE Ethiopian Premier League side Sheger Ketema have strengthened their attacking options with the signing of striker Biniam Fikiru on a free transfer following his departure from Saint George.

The newly promoted outfit has been one of the most active clubs during the league break. After dismissing head coach Ashenafi Bekele due to underwhelming results — just four wins in 19 matches — Sheger Ketema are clearly intent on restructuring ahead of the second half of the 2025/26 season.

Fikiru’s arrival signals a fresh chapter both for the club and the player.

A Promising Move That Lost Momentum

Biniam Fikiru joined Saint George last season after unsuccessful trials in Egypt. Prior to that, he had impressed with Wolayta Dicha, where his sharp movement, pace, and eye for goal attracted widespread interest from several top-flight Ethiopian clubs.

Saint George ultimately secured his signature, hoping he would become a long-term attacking solution. His first season showed flashes of promise, but consistency proved elusive.

The 2025/26 campaign marked a significant downturn. Fikiru struggled to find the net during the first half of the season, failing to score in 12 appearances. For a striker seeking to establish himself at one of Ethiopia’s most historic clubs, the drought proved costly.

Tactical Shift and Growing Frustration

The arrival of Abel Yalew from Egyptian side ZED FC complicated Fikiru’s situation further. With Yalew deployed centrally as the main striker, Fikiru was frequently shifted to a right-wing role — a position that limited his natural strengths.

While Fikiru possesses versatility, his most effective performances have traditionally come through the middle. Playing wide reduced his goal-scoring opportunities and placed additional defensive responsibilities on his shoulders.

Sources indicate that dissatisfaction began to grow. The tension reportedly came to light during a league match when Fikiru was seen arguing with head coach Fasil Tekalegn after being substituted.

The relationship appeared strained, and an exit became increasingly likely.

Saint George’s Difficult Season

Fikiru’s departure comes during a turbulent period for Saint George. The record Ethiopian champions have faced financial challenges, internal boardroom disputes, and inconsistent results on the pitch.

Their struggles have impacted several players, and Fikiru is not the only high-profile departure in recent months.

For the striker, a fresh start may provide the clarity and confidence needed to revive his career trajectory.

Sheger Ketema’s Strategic Reinforcement

For Sheger Ketema, this signing represents more than just squad depth. The club is navigating its first season in the top flight and understands the importance of reinforcing key areas.

Fikiru arrives as a replacement for Anteneh Tefera, who departed to join Bahir Dar Ketema. Losing a marquee signing mid-season could have destabilized the squad, but management acted quickly to secure an experienced domestic option.

Fikiru has signed a one-and-a-half-year contract, giving him stability while offering the club a medium-term solution.

He is expected to compete for a starting role alongside Bulcha Shura and Ethiopian U17 star Dawit Kassaw — a healthy internal competition that could raise overall attacking standards.

Opportunity for Redemption

At 24 years old, Fikiru remains in the development phase of his career. His goal now is clear: rediscover form and re-establish himself as one of the league’s most reliable forwards.

Sheger Ketema may provide the environment he needs.

Unlike Saint George, where expectations are immense and competition intense, Sheger Ketema offer a platform with slightly less pressure but significant opportunity. The club’s survival ambitions mean every goal matters — and Fikiru will likely be entrusted with meaningful responsibility.

National Team Aspirations

Beyond club ambitions, Fikiru is also eyeing a return to the Ethiopian national team.

His earlier performances with Wolayta Dicha earned him recognition at national level. However, reduced minutes and limited impact at Saint George stalled his international prospects.

A strong second half of the season could reopen that door.

The Ethiopian Premier League continues to serve as a key talent pool for national team selectors, and consistent scoring could quickly restore Fikiru’s standing.

A Defining Six Months Ahead

The upcoming months may prove decisive for both player and club.

For Sheger Ketema, staying clear of relegation remains the primary objective. Securing attacking efficiency is central to that goal.

For Fikiru, this move represents redemption. A chance to prove that his struggles were circumstantial rather than permanent decline.

If he regains his scoring touch, this free transfer could turn into one of the smartest mid-season moves in the CBE Ethiopian Premier League.

The pressure is real — but so is the opportunity.