Gor Mahia Watch as Mohamed Shaban Signs for Ethiopian Giants Weeks After Camp Exit

Ugandan striker Mohamed Shaban is set to arrive in Addis Ababa this evening after completing a dramatic switch to Ethiopian Premier League giants Ethiopia Coffee. 

The Kampala-born forward joins the Addis Ababa outfit on a one-year deal, reinforcing their attack after leaving Kenyan side Gor Mahia under contentious circumstances.

The 28-year-old striker, who most recently played for Libyan Premier League side Al Anwar, was to be unveiled by Gor Mahia only weeks ago but walked away following a financial dispute. His departure left the Kenyan champions stunned and scrambling for options in their striking department.

Ethiopia Coffee, managed by Abiy Kassahun, wasted little time in moving for the prolific forward once his exit became public. 

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Shaban now becomes the latest addition to a squad already bolstered by the arrivals of Bereket Berhane, Zelalem Abat, Endesha Eshete, Fuad Ibrahim, and Abubakar Adamu during the current transfer window.

Kassahun said his club had been tracking Shaban for some time and hailed his capture as a statement signing.

“Mohamed Shaban is a proven finisher who can thrive under pressure. We believe he will bring the sharpness we lacked last season. Our ambition is to reclaim the league title, and players like him can make the difference,” the coach explained.

Shaban had been expected to lead Gor Mahia’s line in the 2025/26 season after impressing in training, but his abrupt exit left the record 21-time KPL champions reeling.

According to reports from Kampala, the forward was promised a USD 30,000 signing fee but was instead offered USD 10,000 on arrival in Nairobi—sparking a fallout that ended his stay before it began.

Ethiopia Coffee seized the opportunity, finalizing terms with the striker within days. 

Club insiders revealed that officials were quick to table a competitive offer, with the deal sealed after direct talks with the player’s representatives.

For Shaban, who has also turned out for KCCA, Onduparaka, Raja Casablanca, and Al Hilal, the move offers another chance to revive his career at the top level.

He has represented Uganda at various age categories and was part of the senior side during World Cup qualifiers, scoring twice in four appearances.

Ethiopia Coffee supporters will be eager to see whether Shaban can replicate the form that won him the 2023/24 Ugandan Premier League Golden Boot with 17 goals for KCCA.