Biniam Fikiru joins Sheger Ketema after Saint George exit

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.