Pioneer and legend of Ethiopian sports journalism Fekrou Kidane passes away
Ethiopian sports journalism legend Fekrou Kidane with former IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch
BAHIR DAR, October 12, 2022 - The world of sports journalism was shocked by the sudden death of the extraordinary Fekrou Kidane, an AIPS Honorary Member, on Monday night (October 10) at the age of 87. Fekrou, Ethiopia’s first sports journalist, first live football commentator (1957), founder of African Sport Journalists Union, author, teacher, pioneer and celebrated sports administrator had passed away at his place in Paris, France.
CONDOLENCES Condolence messages have been pouring in from every corner since the news of his passing surfaced on social media. Ethiopia’s Ministry of Sport and Culture, Ethiopian Football Federation, Ethiopian Athletics Federation and Ethiopian Sport Journalists Association are some of the organisations that reacted to the sad news by celebrating his immense contribution for the development of sports in Ethiopia.
Fekrou Kidane
A MAN OF CULTURE International Sports Press Association (AIPS) President, Gianni Merlo, said, “I am very shocked by the news. I knew Fekrou for over 40 years and he was a man of culture and principle who always found balance in his thoughts. He helped a lot to grow journalism in Africa and beyond. He always attended our congresses and came up with ideas that shape our profession and for this he will be missed by all of us.”
Meanwhile, the Ethiopian Sport Journalists Association announced that it has already set up a committee to work with relevant stakeholders to celebrate the life well lived by its founder, supporter and protector until the end.
A LIFE IN SPORTS Born in Addis Ababa in 1935 into a sports loving family, Kidane’s first introduction to sports was through his father’s love for St. George SA. His involvement never ceased to flourish since then.
He was the first Secretary General of the Ethiopian Cycling Federation, Ethiopian Olympic Committee, Ethiopia Tennis Federation, Shoa Football League and he was a Public Relations Officer of the Ethiopian Football Federation.
Fekrou Kidane with Nelson Mandela
FOUNDER OF ESJA He was the founder and the first president of the Ethiopian Sports Journalists Association in 1968. Kidane was also the Secretary General of the African Sports Journalists Union (1970-1974), member of FIFA Press Committee, director of the executive office of the president of International Olympic Committee (IOC) and The Department of International Cooperation.
He helped Ethiopia organise the 1968 and 1976 Africa Cup of Nations in Addis Ababa. He also served as a translator in Ethiopia’s UN mandated Peacekeeping Mission in Congo.
ILLUSTRIOUS JOURNALISM CAREER He worked for French newspapers France Football and L’Équipe. He also had his own publication named Continental Sport, an English – French monthly magazine.
He served as an Editor-in-chief of Olympic Review, a publication of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). He worked as a correspondent for the BBC, Voice of America, DW and Radio France International and many more publications. He covered all of the big international sporting tournaments during his illustrious and long journalism career.
He was a consultant for sports-related organisations, and an advisor to the former president of Confederation of African Football (CAF), Issa Hayatou.
One of his Publications “Ye Piassa Lij” which focuses on his personal and professional endeavours is a best seller.
ROLE MODEL Gashe Fekrou, as commonly called affectionately by his colleagues, was a lifelong learner who always shared his experience and wisdom with the younger generations of journalists. Many believe that he is only next to his mentor and another towering figure, the late Yidnekachew Tessema, when it comes to contribution to the introduction and development of modern sports in Ethiopia.
The Ethiopian Sports Journalists Association recognised him with "The Lifetime Achievement Award" in 2018 for his over half a century professional service.
CONDOLENCES Condolence messages have been pouring in from every corner since the news of his passing surfaced on social media. Ethiopia’s Ministry of Sport and Culture, Ethiopian Football Federation, Ethiopian Athletics Federation and Ethiopian Sport Journalists Association are some of the organisations that reacted to the sad news by celebrating his immense contribution for the development of sports in Ethiopia.
A MAN OF CULTURE International Sports Press Association (AIPS) President, Gianni Merlo, said, “I am very shocked by the news. I knew Fekrou for over 40 years and he was a man of culture and principle who always found balance in his thoughts. He helped a lot to grow journalism in Africa and beyond. He always attended our congresses and came up with ideas that shape our profession and for this he will be missed by all of us.”
Meanwhile, the Ethiopian Sport Journalists Association announced that it has already set up a committee to work with relevant stakeholders to celebrate the life well lived by its founder, supporter and protector until the end.
A LIFE IN SPORTS Born in Addis Ababa in 1935 into a sports loving family, Kidane’s first introduction to sports was through his father’s love for St. George SA. His involvement never ceased to flourish since then.
He was the first Secretary General of the Ethiopian Cycling Federation, Ethiopian Olympic Committee, Ethiopia Tennis Federation, Shoa Football League and he was a Public Relations Officer of the Ethiopian Football Federation.
FOUNDER OF ESJA He was the founder and the first president of the Ethiopian Sports Journalists Association in 1968. Kidane was also the Secretary General of the African Sports Journalists Union (1970-1974), member of FIFA Press Committee, director of the executive office of the president of International Olympic Committee (IOC) and The Department of International Cooperation.
He helped Ethiopia organise the 1968 and 1976 Africa Cup of Nations in Addis Ababa. He also served as a translator in Ethiopia’s UN mandated Peacekeeping Mission in Congo.
ILLUSTRIOUS JOURNALISM CAREER He worked for French newspapers France Football and L’Équipe. He also had his own publication named Continental Sport, an English – French monthly magazine.
He served as an Editor-in-chief of Olympic Review, a publication of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). He worked as a correspondent for the BBC, Voice of America, DW and Radio France International and many more publications. He covered all of the big international sporting tournaments during his illustrious and long journalism career.
He was a consultant for sports-related organisations, and an advisor to the former president of Confederation of African Football (CAF), Issa Hayatou.
One of his Publications “Ye Piassa Lij” which focuses on his personal and professional endeavours is a best seller.
ROLE MODEL Gashe Fekrou, as commonly called affectionately by his colleagues, was a lifelong learner who always shared his experience and wisdom with the younger generations of journalists. Many believe that he is only next to his mentor and another towering figure, the late Yidnekachew Tessema, when it comes to contribution to the introduction and development of modern sports in Ethiopia.
The Ethiopian Sports Journalists Association recognised him with "The Lifetime Achievement Award" in 2018 for his over half a century professional service.
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