When discussing Ethiopian football, one name inevitably rises above the rest – Getaneh Kebede. The striker, who currently leads Fasil Kenema with the captain’s armband, is not just another goalscorer but a true icon for his homeland. Born in Dilla, the marksman managed to become the highest-scoring player in the history of his national team, recording an impressive 33 goals in 67 matches before officially ending his international career on the final day of 2022.
From local pitches to the heights of South Africa
Kebede’s journey began with Debub Police, but his talent truly flourished at Dedebit. It was there in 2013 that he clinched the top scorer award in the Ethiopian top flight, which opened the doors to the international stage. South African side Bidvest Wits wasted no time and, after successful trials, offered him a three-year contract. His time down south included a loan spell at University of Pretoria before Getaneh decided it was time to return home, where he is most beloved.
The master of Ethiopian club football
His return to Ethiopia was marked by transfers to the biggest local giants. After another stint at Dedebit, he joined the ranks of 29-time champions Saint George and later defended the colors of Wolkite City. Since September 2023, the veteran striker has been part of Fasil Kenema, where he continues to demonstrate his goal-scoring instinct under a two-year contract.
The nightmare of Africa’s giants
Kebede’s true strength, however, has always been in the national jersey. He debuted back in 2010, but fans will always remember how he almost single-handedly tripped up Algeria in the 2016 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. In that dramatic 3-3 draw in Addis Ababa, Getaneh netted two goals and denied the Desert Foxes an early victory. That same year, he finished the qualification cycle as the second-best scorer in all of Africa with six goals, finishing just a step behind star Hilal Soudani.
