In 2006 I resided for three months in the Emirates for work.One day, I visited an Eritrean woman who lived in Al Ain. She introduced me to her Arab colleagues saying that I was from Eritrean and Ahmed Abdella's brother. They rose from their seats and greeted me with respect. They then told me how much they admire and miss ‘WediAbdela’.At that time, Ahmed Abdela was the main coach of the first division club, Al Ain, in the Emirates. Al Ainis one of the main and affluent cities of the Emirates and its clubs usually include professional players. I was proud that the coach of this club was Eritrean.

I wanted to meet Abdella but never got the chance to do so.But, his story stayed with me and that is why I wrote about WediAbdella in the Eritrean Profile. Here is an excerpt.

Ahmed Abdella (WediAbdella) was born in the early 1950s in the city of Dekemhare. As any Eritrean child, he learned to play football in his childhood. He became a famous footballer, in Eritrea and Ethiopia, playing for the club of Embasoira, in the end of 1960 and early 70s. He scored many goals and was nominated in 1974, the best player of Ethiopia. (see picture)

He was renowned for his strong and true shots on top of his technical and tactical capabilities.  A song was born out of this star's performance that goes, '' WediAbdela, WediAbdella.... please, don't tear our football net''. In every game, the supporters of club Embasoirasang, till even younger generation and children who did not know him picked the words and the tune.

Ahmed Abdellafled for exile just like many athletes and Eritrean youth who lived in those hard times in mid 70s. He continued playing football in the Emirates and atlast was able to coach of one of the biggest first division football club in the country.  He remained in that position until he discharged his duties.