Ethiopian football legend Mulugeta Kebede passes away

Ethiopian football legend Mulugeta Kebede has passed away after battling an illness. The former Saint George striker had been hospitalized for weeks and passed away earlier today, Saint George confirmed.

Kebede, born in 1967 in Dessie, was a great goal poacher in the 1980s and 90s for both club and country. Nicknamed ‘Woloyew,’ Kebede joined the Horsemen in 1984 from a team named Pepsi. He went on to win seven Ethiopian championship titles, three Most Valuable Player awards, and three top goal scorer awards in his 12-year stay at the Ethiopian giants. Kebede led the attack for the national side for much of the 1980s and early 90s. He was instrumental when Ethiopia won the CECAFA Cup in 1987 on home soil.

After retirement, Kebede moved to the United States but a few years ago returned to Ethiopia. The Ethiopian Football Federation, Ethiopian Premier League, and Saint George paid tribute to the great striker. He will be laid to rest tomorrow at Kolfe Islam Cemetery. His former club, Saint George, has also organized a farewell session at the Addis Ababa Stadium on the morning of Thursday, June 12.

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