Ugandan international striker Muhammad Shaban has officially been unveiled as the newest addition to Ethiopian Coffee SC, putting pen to paper on a one-year contract in Addis Ababa on Tuesday.
The 26-year-old forward’s move ends months of uncertainty that followed his brief stint with Libya’s Al Anwar SC, where he played from February until June this year. After leaving the North African side, Shaban found himself unattached and caught in a string of failed transfer negotiations before finally sealing his switch to the Ethiopian Premier League.
Shaban was initially close to joining Kenyan champions Gor Mahia, with reports suggesting the striker had been promised a USD 30,000 signing bonus. However, after receiving only a third of the agreed amount, USD 10,000, talks broke down, prompting the player to walk away from the deal.
Back in Uganda, he briefly explored the possibility of returning to KCCA FC, a club he had previously starred for, but those discussions also fell through.
His move to Ethiopia now offers a fresh start and a chance to rediscover his best form at one of the country’s most historic clubs. Over the years, Shaban has built an impressive domestic résumé, turning out for Onduparaka FC, KCCA FC, and Vipers SC, where he was known for his explosive pace and clinical finishing.
At Ethiopian Coffee, the forward joins a growing list of Ugandan players who have crossed borders to ply their trade in Ethiopia. The likes of Brian Ahebwa, Geoffrey Wasswa, and Nafian Arinaitwe have all featured in the league, with Wasswa, formerly of Coffee, now on the books of Fasil Kenema.
The club, which narrowly missed out on the championship last season to Ethiopian Insurance SC, will be hoping that Shaban’s arrival injects more firepower into their attack as they mount another title challenge.
This move represents more than just another club for Shaban. It’s a chance to reignite his career and reclaim his place among East Africa’s top forwards.
