LOZA Abera, captain of Ethiopia’s Women’s National Team, has accomplished a dream that once seemed out of reach—signing a contract with a professional football club in the United States. Earlier this month, DC Power, a team in the newly established Division 1 women’s league, announced Abera’s signing, making her the first Ethiopian woman to achieve such a milestone in US professional football.
Abera, 26, expressed her excitement during an interview with the Voice of America (VOA), sharing how her dream of becoming the first Ethiopian woman to play internationally has finally come true. ‘I used to tell my friends that I’d be the first woman from Ethiopia to play professional football abroad, but no one believed me. This is a dream come true,’ she said, brimming with pride.
Her journey to success, however, was far from easy. Born and raised in the small town of Durame in southern Ethiopia, Abera’s love for football started at a very young age. She recalls playing street football with boys in her neighbourhood and on a field across from her house. It was there, surrounded by the challenges of a community that didn’t fully embrace women in sports, that Abera honed her skills and cultivated her passion.
At the age of 15, Abera signed her first football contract with Hawassa Kenema, a club in southern Ethiopia, where she began to develop professionally. Although female football was not widely accepted in Durame at the time, Abera’s talent and determination set her apart. In 2013, she earned her spot on Ethiopia’s national team, marking the beginning of her rise in the football world.
Abera’s career saw her explore opportunities in Sweden and Malta, though they were short-lived. She returned to Ethiopia each time but continued to work towards her dream of playing in a top international league. That dream gained momentum in 2019 when Abera connected with US-based football agent and coach, Mezmure Dawit Mekuria. Through his network, Abera was able to participate in try-outs across the United States, including in Miami, Orlando, and New York.
Her perseverance paid off in 2024 when she signed with Virginia Marauders FC, where she made a lasting impression by scoring 10 goals in just 11 games. This outstanding performance caught the attention of DC Power’s coaches, ultimately leading to her historic signing with the club.
Mekuria, who played a pivotal role in Abera’s journey, spoke highly of her character and work ethic, calling her a ‘hardworking professional’ and adding that her consistency is what sets her apart. ‘Talent without hard work is nothing,’ he noted, expressing hope that more Ethiopian players will soon follow Abera’s path into US football leagues.
One of the most significant aspects of Abera’s achievement is the sense of responsibility she feels to inspire the next generation of Ethiopian athletes. ‘It’s not just about my dream; it’s about showing others that they can achieve theirs too,’ she said. Abera is particularly excited to be joining a team based in Washington, DC, home to a large Ethiopian community. ‘I won’t feel alone,’ she shared, adding that seeing Ethiopian fans at her games will bring her great joy and motivation.
As she embarks on this new chapter, Abera’s goal is clear: to help DC Power achieve success on the field. ‘I want to score as many goals as possible and win trophies with my team,’ she said. But beyond personal accolades, Abera is focused on leaving a legacy that will pave the way for future Ethiopian footballers to make their mark on the global stage.
Her story is one of perseverance, passion, and an unwavering belief in her abilities. With her groundbreaking move to DC Power, Loza Abera has become a beacon of hope for aspiring athletes across Ethiopia and beyond.
Credit: Voice of America
