GUIYANG, Jan. 5 (Xinhua) — A Football match inviting a team of young football enthusiasts from Ethiopia and their Chinese counterparts was held in Rongjiang district of southwest Guizhou Province on Tuesday evening of China.
Rongjiang District, birthplace of the Guizhou Village Super League, has gained recognition in China and internationally thanks to the locals’ pure love for football and the richness of their ethnic cultures.
Abrham Degu, captain of the Ethiopian team, started playing football as a child and founded a football club in Addis Ababa. When he learned that he had the opportunity to come to China to play football, he felt lucky.
“For me, football is part of my life. It is not only entertainment, but also helps strengthen friendships and unite people,” Degu said, adding that he enjoys playing football in Rongjiang and hopes to possibly take part in a match with a Village Super League team next time.
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During halftime, the Ethiopian team presented a cultural performance featuring dances and music from their various ethnic groups.
Beamlak Biruk, a member of the cheerleading team, explained that this is a great opportunity to exchange cultures between the two countries on the Guizhou Village Super League football field.
For his part, Chen Xuemin, vice chief of Rongjiang district, believes that this match can promote exchanges and understanding between the youth of the two countries and strengthen the friendship between China and Africa.
Launched in 2023, the Guizhou Village Super League has attracted more than 1,100 football fans from more than 50 countries and regions, including France, Liberia and the United States, to friendly tournaments held in Rongjiang .
