September 2 – MLS side D.C. United has deepened its partnership with co-owner Eyob Joe Mamo, CEO of Capital Petroleum, as he looks to spearhead efforts to build stronger ties between the club, the Ethiopian Football Federation, and the Ethiopian Premier League.
The initiative has one eye on nurturing football talent in Ethiopia whilst also bringing high-profile matches featuring Ethiopian clubs and the national team to Audi Field in the American capital.
The first fruit of the alliance will take place on the September 8, when the Audi Field will host the 2024 Ethiopian Soccer Legacy Match between Ethiopian Premier League sides Coffee Sport Club and St. George FC – a match that will mark the first of several initiatives to promote Ethiopian culture in the District, showcasing the two most well-known teams in the Ethiopian Premier League.
“Through the time Joe Mamo and I have spent together in Washington, D.C. and in Addis Ababa, we have been building the foundation for a deepening relationship and connectivity between Audi Field, D.C. United, and the passionate Ethiopian football community,” D.C. United CEO and co-chairman Jason Levien said.
“The DMV is home to hundreds of thousands of Ethiopian Americans and it is a cultural and economic center which provides a platform to promote Ethiopian football and an intercultural exchange. We are thrilled to bring this historic event to Audi Field.”
The matchup was spearheaded by Ethiopian native Mamo as part of a ‘continued effort’ to bring football and cultures together in Washington, D.C.
In May 2024, D.C. United partnered with the Ethiopian Football Federation.
“Today marks an exciting moment in the growth of the Ethiopian Football Federation, the Ethiopian Premier League, and MLS. This is an opportunity to develop the next generation of talent,” said Mamo.
“Most importantly, through this collaborative partnership, we can make an indelible mark in creating cultural events at Audi Field with our Ethiopian clubs and national team which will impact the lives of the youth and adults in the community. I am humbled and honored to have this as the Mamo Kacha family’s legacy in soccer.”
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1734973003labto1734973003ofdlr1734973003owedi1734973003sni@g1734973003niwe.1734973003yrrah1734973003