Determined Commercial Bank of Ethiopia prepare to make CAF Women’s Champions League debut

The 2024 edition of the CAF Women's Champions League will be historic for CECAFA champions, Commercial Bank of Ethiopia.

After two unsuccessful attempts in 2021 and 2023 where they stumbled in the final, the Ethiopians were able to finally secure a place at the finals set to take place in Morocco between 09 – 23 November.

CAFOnline takes a look at the Ethiopian champions and their attributes ahead of the start of the competition on Saturday.

How they qualified:

The Commercial Bank of Ethiopia's career group stage of the qualifiers was marked by solid performances. They began their campaign with a close 3-2 victory over Rayon Sport, demonstrating their ability to handle pressure in crucial moments.

The win gave them the momentum to put up a dominant display that saw them overcome Yei Joint winning 4-0.

In the final, they achieved a memorable feat by beating Kenya Police Bullets FC 1-0, thanks to a decisive goal from Senaf Wakuma. This victory not only saw Ethiopians win the CECAFA zone championship but secured them a ticket to Morocco.

Key player: Senaf Wakuma

Senaf Wakuma shone during the qualifiers campaign, scoring 6 goals and consolidating her reputation as a key player for the team. Her ability to position herself in the right place at the right time, as well as precision in front of the goal, were decisive for the success of his team. With the right supply, Wakuma will be quite a handful for the opponents in Morocco.

The coach: Heye Gizaw Birhanu

Heye Gizaw Birhanu is a visionary coach who has been able to galvanise his team and put in place a winning strategy. With significant experience in women's football, Gizaw has understood the importance of meticulous planning.

Under his leadership, the club has developed a fluid and offensive game. His leadership and ability to motivate his players will be a valuable asset in the team’s debut on the continental stage.