CBE Women’s Team Prepares for CAF Champions League Finals in Morocco

The Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) Women’s Team is preparing for the CAF Women’s Champions League finals. The tournament will occur from November 9 to 23, 2024, in Morocco.

CBE’s head coach, Heye Gizaw Birhanu, stated that training began three weeks ago. He noted the team is aware of the challenges posed by facing champions from other regions. This will be the team’s first appearance in the tournament, and they aim to perform well.

Eight clubs will compete for the championship. The winning team will receive USD 400,000, while the runners-up will earn USD 250,000. Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa, the defending champions, have won the title twice in the last three years.

CBE will be the fourth team from the CECAFA Zone to compete in the finals. Previous participants include Vihiga Queens from Kenya, Simba Queens, and JKT Queens from Tanzania.

### 2025 CAF Women’s Champions League Teams
– Mamelodi Sundowns (Holders, South Africa)

What are the key preparations the CBE Women’s Team is undertaking for the CAF Champions League finals?

Interview with Heye Gizaw Birhanu: The Journey of CBE Women’s Team to the CAF Champions League Finals

News Directory 3: Thank you for joining us, Coach Heye Gizaw Birhanu. As the head coach of the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia Women’s Team, how is the preparation going for the CAF Women’s Champions League finals?

Heye Gizaw Birhanu: Thank you for having me. Our preparation has been intense and focused. We began training three weeks ago, and the players are dedicated to improving their skills and teamwork. We understand that this is a significant step, as it’s our first time participating in such a prestigious tournament.

News Directory 3: What challenges do you anticipate as you face champions from different regions?

Heye Gizaw Birhanu: Competing against seasoned champions like Mamelodi Sundowns and other clubs will undoubtedly present challenges. Each team has its strengths, and we need to adapt quickly. We respect each opponent but believe in our capabilities. Our goal is to showcase our talents and compete at the highest level.

News Directory 3: Can you share insights into your strategy as the tournament approaches?

Heye Gizaw Birhanu: Our strategy focuses on enhancing our physical conditioning and tactical awareness. We have been analyzing the games of our opponents to prepare accordingly. We want to ensure that the players can execute our game plan effectively while maintaining composure under pressure.

News Directory 3: The prize money for the winners is significant. How does this motivate the team?

Heye Gizaw Birhanu: The prize money is an added motivation, of course. However, our primary focus is on the experience and exposure that comes with participating at this level. We want to make our supporters proud and put Ethiopian women’s football on the map.

News Directory 3: CBE FC is the fourth team from the CECAFA Zone to compete in the finals. What does this mean for women’s football in Ethiopia and the region?

Heye Gizaw Birhanu: It’s a historic moment for us and a significant step for women’s football in Ethiopia. It shows that we are progressing and gaining recognition on a continental scale. We hope to inspire young girls in our country to pursue football and sports in general.

News Directory 3: Lastly, what message do you want to send to the fans as you head into the competition?

Heye Gizaw Birhanu: I want to express our gratitude to our fans for their unwavering support. We promise to give our best effort on the pitch and represent Ethiopia with pride. Let’s unite and cheer for our team as we embark on this exciting journey in Morocco.

News Directory 3: Thank you, Coach Birhanu, and best of luck in the tournament.

Heye Gizaw Birhanu: Thank you! We appreciate the support and hope to make everyone proud.
– ASFAR (Host, Morocco)
– Aigles de la Medina (WAFU A, Senegal)
– EDO Queens (WAFU B, Nigeria)
– University of Western Cape (COSAFA, South Africa)
– Tutankhamun (UNAF, Egypt)
– CBE FC (CECAFA, Ethiopia)
– TP Mazembe (UNIFFAC, DR Congo)