Alelegn Azene of Bahir Dar City is considered as arguably the BetKing Ethiopia Premier League's best defensive midfielder.
He is originally from the talent-rich Arba Minch City, 356km away from Addis Ababa. He rose to prominence at Arbaminch City where he spent three years in the first team.
He would move to Hawassa City before settling into life at Bahir Dar City.
supersport.com: You scored the winning goal in the Amhara Derby, what did that feel like?
Alelegn Azene: It was the first time that we beat Fasil Kenema in the league and I scored the second goal, so that was very exciting. As a team we talked about the fact that it was a must win match for us given our title run.
We gave our full attention to the match, because first it was a derby, and the second reason was that league leaders St George had dropped a point before the game. So we knew that if we could record a victory, we could close the gap on them.
In the first half, we were better but owing to some minor mistakes, we conceded a goal. During the halftime team talk, we discussed how we had to score goals to give the three points to our fans. By God's grace, we got the goals as Yared Bayeh and I scored.
supersport.com: What is your team's main strength this season compared to last season?
Alelegn Azene: The main difference this term is our team sprit which is very high compared to last season. We play as one on the pitch and we are very friendly with each other.
In addition, last summer's signings, Yabsera Tesfaye and Yared Bayeh's experience and talent have been huge for us.
supersport.com: Which previous coaches had the biggest effect or influence on you?
Alelegn Azene: The question is hard to answer. There are a lot of coaches who added something to my playing career. I want to appreciate them all. At Arbaminch Paulose Getachew and Berkert Damu, at Hawassa Addisie Kassa and Mulugeta Mihret also at Bahir Dar Abrham Mebratu and now Degeareg Yigzaew coached and imparted a lot on me.
I want to pay special tribute to assistant coach Damu at Arbaminch City and Tarike who helped me a lot to be a good professional player. I want to thank them specially.
supersport.com:- Which team has surprised you the most this season in the 2022/23 Betking Ethiopia Premier League?
Alelegn Azene: Ethiopian Insurance. I was afraid for them when they lost 7-1 to Saint George. But after that humiliation, they have been quite surprising to me. They were even leading the league for a few weeks.
supersport.com: How do you rate the officiating in the League?
Alelegn Azene: I have a good feeling about it. I didn't see anything that is bad so far. In my view, the League's referees are good.
supersport.com: Do you think your team has the capacity to win the title?
Alelegn Azene: Definitely. I believe that as a team we are better placed this season to challenge. We have good players in each position.
We give attention for each match. We want to win the first league title for our fans, and we are trying real hard. We'll see how far we go in the end.
supersport.com: We've heard that your behaviour is different during matches than outside of it. Is that correct?
Alelegn Azene: Yes, I don't talk a lot outside of a pitch. Most of the time I'm silent, but during matches I'm very loud. I fight on the pitch but I'm silent off the pitch.
supersport.com: What has been your family's attitude to you continuing as a footballer?
Alelegn Azene: My family's pirority has always been education but I stuck with football and after a while, they accepted it.
supersport.com: What about the chance of playing abroad?
Alelegn Azene: When I was at Hawassa I tried to get a club outside, but it failed due to some reasons.
supersport.com: What are your goals for the future?
Alelegn Azene: I want to have a good time and help my club to win the league title.I also want to play for the national team.