Hawassa Ketema reunites with Shemeles Bekele after thirteen years

Hawassa Ketema has made a major coup with the signing of Ethiopian legend Shemeles Bekele. The attacking midfielder makes a long-awaited return to his hometown club.

Bekele kick-started his career at the Lakers. His performance at the 2010 CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup helped him earn a move to Ethiopian giants Saint George. Bekele proceeded to be a key member for the Ethiopia national team when they qualified for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.

He cut short his decade-long stint at clubs in Libya, Sudan, and Egypt to join army side Mechal in 2023. Bekele helped Mechal to a second-place finish in the Ethiopian Premier League in the 2023/24 season.

Hawassa Ketema has now signed Bekele for the 2025/26 season. He will be returning home for the first time since 2012 with the deal now completed. Hawassa Ketema recently named Temesgen Dana as their new head coach as they try to rebuild the squad for the new season.