Ethiopian U-17 Talents Biniyam Abraha and Dawit Kasaw Attract Interest from European Clubs
Ethiopian youth footballers Biniyam Abraha and Dawit Kasaw have attracted interest from European clubs following their impressive performances in the 2025 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying competition, with opportunities for trials offering a potential pathway to European football.
Biniyam captained Ethiopia’s U-17 side during the qualifying campaign, while Dawit emerged as one of the competition’s leading scorers, finishing with eight goals to earn joint top scorer recognition. Their performances have now opened up opportunities to showcase their abilities to clubs outside Ethiopia.
Dawit has reportedly received trial opportunities from a prominent club in Belgium and Swedish side BK Häcken, while Biniyam has attracted interest from a club competing in the Austrian league.
Both players currently feature for Sheger City and developed through Three Point Academy, an Ethiopian youth football academy seeking to develop young talents through structured training and international connections.
Nordic Sky Agency, which is headquartered in Europe, is facilitating the process of connecting the two youngsters with European clubs. Steven Henning, the agency’s Head of Operations for East Africa, is playing a leading role in coordinating the arrangements.
Henning also highlighted the contribution of Dawit Gebreyohannes, Nordic Sky’s Managing Director in Ethiopia, who has been assisting with the process.
However, the opportunities will depend partly on whether the necessary visa procedures can be completed on time. If the arrangements are finalised, the players will travel to the respective destinations, where they will have the chance to demonstrate their abilities and be assessed by club coaches and technical staff.
Nordic Sky is working with the Ethiopian Football Federation and other relevant stakeholders to facilitate the process and ensure that the necessary arrangements are completed. Henning described the support received from the federation as encouraging, while also acknowledging the cooperation of Sheger City, the club where the two players currently play.
For Ethiopian football, the potential move represents more than an individual opportunity for two promising youngsters. It also highlights the importance of creating stronger pathways between domestic youth development and the international game.
Ethiopian players have historically had fewer opportunities to establish themselves in European football than their counterparts from several other African countries. The reasons are complex, but concerns about youth development structures, access to international scouting networks, and preparation for the demands of European football are often part of the discussion.
Young players need more than technical ability to succeed abroad. Physical development, tactical understanding, discipline, competitive experience and access to professional training environments all play important roles in preparing them for the next level.Academies such as Three Point can contribute to this process by providing structured development and building relationships with international agencies and clubs.
For Biniyam and Dawit, the immediate priority is to complete the necessary arrangements and make the most of the opportunities presented to them. A trial does not guarantee a contract, but it can provide a valuable opportunity to experience a different football environment, demonstrate their potential and learn what is required to compete at a higher level.
Their story could also offer encouragement to other young Ethiopian footballers seeking to build careers beyond the domestic game. If the process is completed successfully, their opportunities could represent another step towards strengthening the connection between Ethiopia’s youth football system and European clubs.
For now, the focus remains on ensuring that the two players can travel, attend their trials and give themselves the best possible chance of making the next step in their careers.
