Ephrem Areba (Ori) Receives Trial Opportunity from Lithuanian Club
Ephrem Areba, popularly known as Ori, has received an opportunity to undergo a trial with Lithuanian football club FK Hegelmann. The youngster, who is a product of the 3 Point Academy and previously captained Ethiopia’s U-15 national team, could be on the verge of taking an important step towards pursuing his football career in Europe.
Hegelmann compete in Lithuania’s top-flight league, the A Lyga. The club secured promotion to the country’s top division in 2021 and reached the Lithuanian Football Cup final in 2022, establishing themselves as a competitive side in Lithuanian football.
According to Steven Henning, East Africa Director of Operations at Nordic Sky and Ephrem’s agent, the youngster had previously attracted interest from clubs in Azerbaijan. However, their current priority is the opportunity presented by the Lithuanian club.
Ephrem was among the players identified during a recent scouting programme organised by Henning. His performances caught the attention of the scouting team, opening the door to a potential opportunity in European football.
Speaking about the challenges facing young Ethiopian footballers, Henning explained that although he has come across several talented players during his scouting activities, many of them are currently without clubs. Ephrem himself spent a considerable period without a team.
“There is so much unseen talent in the country. Or, perhaps better said, some coaches in the Ethiopian Premier League’s U-17 and U-20 teams simply don’t want to listen or open their eyes when players are recommended by scouts or other stakeholders.
“One example is Ori, who has been without a club for a long time, alongside many other top talents we presented at the event. They are not getting opportunities to join Ethiopian Premier League U-17 and U-20 teams. How come?” Henning questioned.
We will continue following Ephrem’s situation and the progress of other Ethiopian youngsters who have attracted interest from European clubs.
