Israel Eshetu has big dreams for himself and his club, Mekelakeya, otherwise known as the Defence Force. The big striker is one of the rising stars of the BetKing Ethiopia Premier League.
Eshetu is in good company with the array of stars lined up by Mekelakeya this season and he is looking forward to winning laurels.
In the summer transfer window, Israel's new club is a club that has transferred many players. The team led by coach Fasil Tekalegn did not start as expected.
"Many new players have joined the club this year... Most of us have known each other before in other teams or in the national team, so I believe that we will come together quickly and have a good season."
"I want to have a good time of the year scoring goals with my team. I plan to finish with at least third place. I also have plans to return to the national team."
Eshetu opened his account for Mekelakeya scoring the only goal of the match in the fourth week of the Betking Ethiopia Premier League game when they defeated Fasil City 1-0.
His joy knew no bounds.
"It was a great moment for the team after our early struggles this season, and, as a player, especially as a striker, you want to score goals.
"I am very happy that I came on as a substitute and scored a goal when our team was in trouble."
Eshetu has estimated that four clubs have a chance to become the champion, including his own club, which has signed several clubs during the season.
"Even if our start is a bit slow, I think we will gradually improve and become a contender for the title. Also, Saint George, Fasil Kenema and Ethiopia Coffee are other clubs that have a chance to win the league."
Eshetu was born in the town of Wondo Genet in the southern part of Ethiopia but despite his small-town origins, he grew up in the beautiful city of Hawassa.
He is a former Hawassa City, Sebeta City and Wolkite City striker.
Eshetu has been in love with football since childhood. He started playing with his friends in the neighborhood and got a chance to join the local club by strengthening the football project.
"I first started with a project called Tabor, then after going through another project called Selam, I joined the Hawasa Youth structures led by coach Temeseng Dana, who is currently the head coach of AE Training Coffee in Ethiopia. "
Eshetu made quick progress soon after joining Hawassa City's youth team as it took less than three months for him to be promoted to the main team.
In Hawassa City, Eshetu was able to show good performance after earning his senior team elevation under the tutelage of coach Wubetu Abate, currently the coach of the Ethiopian national team.
"I had a good time in Hawassa City, and I was very happy and I want to take this opportunity to thank both coaches very much."
"Hawassa City is my childhood club and it is the club that helped me reach here."
It was also at Hawassa that the striker attracted the attention of the national selectors going on to earn caps with the national teams at various age groups, under-17 and under-20, and worn the jersey of his country due to his outstanding performance during his time at the club.
He still has fond memories of his teammates from his time at Hawassa, and singles out Daniel Derbe, his captain of Hawassa for praise.
"He is a senior player, and he advises you as a friend. He is strong on the field; he is powerful, and he does not like to lose."
Eshetu's next stop after leaving Hawassa was Sebeta City.
"When I left Hawassa, I headed to Sebeta City but due to an injury, my stay on Sebeta could not be as good as Hawassa."
I then headed to Wolkite and the injury that happened there prevented me from playing as much as I wanted."
Eshetu earned a good reputation for his attacking and scoring skills but also now, his progress became stunted by the recurring hamstring injuries.
The injuries scuppered foreign opportunities that came his way but following good treatment and rehabilitation, he has found a new lease on life with his highly heralded move to the Defence Force, Mekelakeya where he is once more enjoying his game and scoring goals.