From Ethiopian refugee camp to footy pitch for Hawthorn's latest up-and-comer

Twenty-years-ago, Changkouth Jiath’s family flew to Australia determined to make a new life.

Hawthorn defender Changkouth Jiath was born in an Ethiopian refugee camp in 1999.

Hawthorn defender Changkouth Jiath was born in an Ethiopian refugee camp in 1999. Source: SBS News

Hawthorn defender Changkouth Jiath was born in an – two decades later, he’s on the cusp of making his AFL debut. 

The promising 185cm player is newly drafted by the Hawthorn Football Club, after working his way through feeder teams and getting noticed while playing for the prestigious Xavier College. 

That love of sport that’s inspired him to potential stardom was fostered in an Ethiopian refugee camp, where he grew up kicking a soccer ball about. 

Hawthorn defender Changkouth Jiath was born in an Ethiopian refugee camp in 1999.
Hawthorn defender Changkouth Jiath was born in an Ethiopian refugee camp in 1999. Source: SBS News


Jiath was six-years-old when his family boarded a plane to begin a new life in Australia. 

“That was the first time I tasted cheese so that was a pretty weird taste,” he said. 




“I had butter as well; I never had butter in Africa so it was kind of weird.” 

Jiath was six-years-old when his family boarded a plane to begin a new life in Australia.
Jiath was six-years-old when his family boarded a plane to begin a new life in Australia. Source: SBS News




Jiath had a similar reaction when he first saw a Sherrin– but now that ball is an integral part of his new life.


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1 min read
Published 3 April 2019 8:33pm
By Adrian Arciuli
Source: SBS

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