Ethiopia’s FIFA-badged referee, Bamlak Tessema, is elated at the decision of FIFA to invite him and fifteen other African officials for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

The 38-year-old who is a clinical nurse at one of main hospitals in Addis-Ababa got pay back for his valiant efforts when he was confirmed as among the six referees from the continent that will make a total of 99 officials selected for the tournament.

Speaking to Soka25east an elated Tessema said, “It’s a big achievement, I would like to thank Ethiopian clubs, my mentors at the FA and CAF and the public at large for their unreserved support.”

Tesema who started officiating in 2003 before he rose to the rank of FIFA centre referee six year later hails the Ethiopian Premier League as a wonderful ground for his latest appointment.

“The Ethiopian top flight league is among the few leagues in Africa where you encounter fastest short passes. Every day you officiate in the league you take a lesson and strengthen your mobility with the ball. It has contributed much to my appointment,” he said.

Tessema officiated his first international match in 2010 and has been active from that time. He has refereed from regional CECAFA tournament to Africa Cup of Nations, CHAN, Confederation Cup and Champions League matches.

Recently, he officiated at the 2017 Total Confederation Champions League first leg between defending champion Al Ahly and Morocco’s Wydad Casablanca.

Beyond the continental outings the much travelled official has been at Youth World Cup as well as 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup.