Ethiopian Coffee elects Israel Degfa to succeed Mamo after 14-year reign

Ethiopian Premier League giants Ethiopian Coffee have ushered in a new era following the election of Israel Degfa as club chairman, marking the end of Lieutenant Fekade Mamo’s 14-year tenure at the helm.

The elective General Assembly took place in Addis Ababa on Saturday, fulfilling a promise made by the club hierarchy to overhaul the leadership in 2026. A previous attempt to hold the assembly in late 2025 was abandoned due to a lack of a quorum.

The End of the Mamo Era at Ethiopian Coffee

The leadership change follows a period of intense pressure from supporters, who had been protesting against Mamo’s management amid a perceived decline in the club’s fortunes. Despite his long-standing service, the club’s trophy cabinet remained relatively lean during his 14-year chairmanship, securing just one Ethiopian Premier League title, one Ethiopian Cup, and a Super Cup.

Mamo’s association with the club dates back to its inception in 1976. Having held various roles before becoming chairman in 2012, his tenure was not without drama; he briefly resigned in 2018 following fan backlash, only to rescind the decision days later. While he vacates his club post, Mamo continues to serve as the chairman of the Ethiopian Premier League Share Company.

A New Direction Under Degfa

In a move that aligns the club closer to its namesake industry, the General Assembly voted in Israel Degfa as the new chairman. A prominent businessman from the Sidama Region, Degfa is the owner of Kerchanshe Trading, one of Ethiopia’s largest coffee exporters.

Representing the Ethiopian Coffee Exporters Association, Degfa will be joined on the board by Aklilu Kassa and Yisemashewa Seyoum, who were also elected as members. The new leadership is tasked with restoring “The Browns” to their former glory and satisfying a fan base hungry for consistent silverware.