Ethiopia Coffee striker, Mesfin Tafesse shone like a bright star last season with Hawassa City before his summer transfer to Ethiopia Coffee where he has forged a partnership with Biruk Beyene.
Tafesse and Beyene are both looking to fill the boots of Ethiopia Coffee legend Abubekher Nasir who moved to Mamelodi Sundowns in the South African Premier Soccer League (PSL).
Tafesse, who was born in the village of "Qera" in Hawassa City, played for the reserve team for two and a half years and represented Hawassa City for three seasons.
Tafesse also starred for the Ethiopia national under-17 and under-20 teams under Coach Temesgen Dana and is now setting new standards at Ethiopia Coffee after signing a two-year contract during the last summer transfer window.
In this Q&A with supersport.com Tafesse, aka 'Chunke' talks about his career.
SuperSport.com: You are better known as "Chunke" rather than Mesfin Tafesse. Is that true?
Mesfin Tafesse: It is true that I am well known as "Chunke" in my village, "Qera" in Hawassa. It was my mom who gave me this nick name.
SuperSport.com: You started out your professional club career with Hawassa City, but how would you describe the early days of your playing career?
Mesfin Tafesse: I started football at my village under coach Tamrat, followed by coach Adissie Kassa. Thereafter, I joined Mulugeta Mihret's Academy and after showing my qualities, I got the chance to join the Hawassa City B team.
By the way there are a lot of players from "Qera" like Tesfaye Bekele and Zenbe Kebede. My father also has huge love for football which influenced me.
SuperSport.com: Which season was your best time at Hawassa City?
Mesfin Tafesse: It was last season 2021/22. I had a great season individually and I was happy with my contribution to the season.
SuperSport.com: How will you describe your time at Hawassa generally?
Mesfin Tafesse: Hawassa is the best city. Starting out with the B team I spent six years overall at Hawassa City. There is a lot of love for football, a good environment for young players to develop.
The club is built on youngsters and I wish them all the best.
SuperSport.com: Who has played the most important role in your development?
Mesfin Tafesse: In my time at Hawassa City, I played under coach Addisie Kassa, coach Mulugeta Mihret and coach Zereay Mulu.
I also played on the under17 and under-20 national teams under Temesgen Dana. I want to thank all my coaches for adding something to my career. A special thanks go to Addisie Kassa.
SuperSport.com:Why did you choose to join Ethiopia Coffee?
Mesfin Tafesse:Ethiopia Coffee is a big club with a great history, very good players and one of the most supportive fan bases in all of Ethiopia.
It was my desire to lead the team to better results and to get a chance to play overseas and that's why I selected Ethiopia Coffee.
When I was at Hawassa, I always looked forward to facing Ethiopia Coffee and Saint George. I have now progressed from wanting to play against them, to getting the chance to play on the team.
The fact that DStv is broadcasting the league has given us a lot of exposure. Ethiopia Coffee is a big team and I hope that together with my teammates we can make the team even better.
SuperSport.com: How do you rate the Ethiopia Coffee fans?
Mesfin Tafesse: What can I say about Ethiopia Coffee fans? They are amazing. I was very surprised by their warm welcome given my history with a rival club.
I am very happy to be here, want to thank the fans for making me feel at home.
SuperSport.com: How do you see the league's officiating?
Mesfin Tafesse: The officiating has been good. The referees are good, but there are always improvements that can be made.
If they can be aided by VAR and other technology, it will be better. The referees are humans just like us players.
SuperSport.com: You got a chance to play in Equatorial Guinea, why didn't that work out?
Mesfin Tafesse: I went there to get a better chance to develop my playing career. I wanted to go to a better league but what I envisaged and what I experienced was very different.
Their stadiums are good and so is their football. They wanted to sign me, but I was not happy with certain things.
I didn't think that I would be able to develop to my full capacity and my monetary terms were also not met, so I decided to come back to Ethiopia.
SuperSport.com: What are your expectations regarding playing for the national team?
Mesfin Tafesse: I have dreamt of playing for the Ethiopia national team since my childhood. I got a chance to play for national team recently, but I wasn't selected for the team in the recent matches.
However, I am confident about my prospects and I am sure I will wear the team's jersey again. I want to play in a World Cup.
SuperSport.com: How do you rate the League's competitiveness?
Mesfin Tafesse: This season the league has been very competitive. So far, every team is strong in every match.
SuperSport.com: Finally, if you had to thank someone or any group or organisation for your progress, who will that be?
Mesfin Tafesse: All the coaches throughout my footballing journey the Ethiopia Coffee fans for their warm welcome.