Binyam Getachew was one of the outstanding players in the last Betking Ethiopian Premier League season, finishing third on the goalscorers chart.
The Dire Dawa City striker is believed by many to be one of the attackers expected to shine in the future, even in the Ethiopian national team.
Getachew, with 13 goals, was only outscored by St George's Togolese striker Ismail Ouro Agoro, who scored 25 and the veteran striker Getaneh Kebede of Wolkite City, with 18 goals.
Getachew started playing football in school competitions, and after finishing school, he was able to play for the Kembata Tembaro Zone where he was born and raised. He also played in school and represented the region of Southern Ethiopia.
"In 2015, I participated in the regional club championship and represented Hambericho Durame, and we entered the team into the national league. After that, I went to Werabe City. Thereafter, I returned to Hambericho Durame again."
"Then I went to Axum City and subsequently headed to Wolkite City. During my stay in Wolkite City, when the team joined the Premier League, I was a member of the squad."
HIS ROLE MODELS
Binyam spent the 2021-22 season in Addis Ababa City but did not get a chance to play much because of the presence of Ghanaian striker Richmond Adongo, who was on fire.
However, he was able to show his skills in the few minutes that he got.
Binyam says that he grew up watching Getaneh Kebede, Salhadin Seid and Adane Girma in Ethiopia, and globally, he says that he is a huge fan of Cristiano Ronaldo, whom he regards as his role model.
Binyam describes himself as follows:
"Binyam is a stubborn person who hates defeat. He is the type of player who always wants to win and only win."
Binyam, who believes that the strength of the defenders is good for the attackers, said that although there are strong defenders in the league, there is no player who he can say has challenged him.
Binyam feels more connection with Asegagegn Petros than any other player on the field. "We were together in Addis Ababa City. He is the one who facilitated and assisted me for almost half of the 13 goals I scored this season."
He believes that working hard today is the foundation for tomorrow's success. He says that he is working hard for this and aims to improve on his performances from last season.
"I have no doubt that I will achieve better performance in the future," he added.
"In the Premier League, it is observed that foreign players are given priority in many ways. It happens repeatedly that even though the local players have good skills, the coaches do not give them a chance.
"Coaches give priority to the player who becomes good for their style of play. It is a bit difficult to understand things when you are in their position. As last season also (this season), there is a foreigner in my position, and we play together. It is nice when a foreigner lives next to you, there is a lot to learn. When you become a professional, it is your duty."
PREMIER LEAGUE GROWING
Binyam says the Premier League is growing. "One is the presence of DStv. You can watch your performance after the matches and evaluate yourself. That means you won't repeat tomorrow what you lost today. You will improve in the future. In general, our league is growing in many ways."
"Most players want to be given freedom and repeated opportunities. If they get that opportunity, they will show it with their work. We have many young players in the league. If we work, thinking that tomorrow will be better, there will be no chance that we will not show our potential."
"It is said that there is a lack of strikers, but at the same time, I feel that there are also strong and talented young players in all clubs of the league."
Dire Dawa City are one of the clubs that had a good start to the season but slowly slipped. Binyam said the following about his team's journey this year.
"Our start was great. We were good in the middle. But now we are somewhat higher at the bottom. The city of Dire Dawa is a city with people who love football. The current situation of the team doesn't suit the team.
"But as an individual, I can say that I had a good season."
They are in danger of relegation, but Binyam has an answer for this. "Dire Dawa City will never go down; we will never think about going down."
This is how Binyam remembers the sad and happy moments during his football career. "When I was in Addis Ababa City, playing against Dire Dawa City, I was very sad when I missed a clear chance and left the field crying."
"This year, when the league was played at Bahir Dar, I scored my first goal for Dire Dawa City in the game we played against Hawassa City. I enjoyed it very much."
NATIONAL TEAM EXPECTATIONS
Once a player has had a good season at club level, he is expected to make it to the national team. It is believed by many that he will lead the line of the next generation of Walyas.
"I think the time is coming for me to serve my country. When that time comes, I want to put myself in a better position than I am now. I feel I must work hard for this, and I am working hard."
Binyam always starts the day with prayers in the morning on the day of the match. After eating breakfast and resting for a while, he takes a break and enters the match.
He has a habit of talking to himself for a few minutes before a match. Even after the match, Binyam has a place where he can call regularly. "I always call to mom and dad after a match."