In the 1960s, the Ethiopia football team dominated Africa, winning tournament after tournament.

Known as the Walia Ibex, they were an exciting attacking force but those players are by no means the only stars to have achieved hero status at home and abroad.

Alemayhu Desissa,33,though he looks about 18 years old youngster has been active in football still having played for the national team in early 2000.

Soka25east met the veteran footballer who opened up to discuss the past and present in football.

Soka25east: Kindly tell us about yourself?

AD: My name is Alemayhu Desissa a.k.a Delpiero.I am 33 year old and still active in football playing as an ttacking midfileder.

Soka25east: You are a household name in Ethiopian football,can you tell us the clubs that you have played for in your career?

AD: Well in my career i have played for Elpha, Harar Beer and Insurance Dedebit.I also had a stint in Yemen where i played for some four sides.

Soka25east: Tell us your best moments in your career?

AD: I have been able to achieve various accolades.I was 2001 Ethiopia Champion and Triple Winner with Elpha as well as being named the Yemen League Player of the year.

Soka25east:Who is your best coach ever?

AD: I consider Hagos Desta as the best mentor ever.

Soka25east:Can you tell us the best players that you have ever played with?

AD: I have played with Hussien Seman, Ashenafi Girma, Yordanos Abay, Yonas G/Michale, Fikadu Belay, Getu Teshome in National team under guidance of coach Mekuria Ashebir, Asrat Haile, Sewent Bishaw, Garziyato. (1993-94 E.C)

Soka25east:What about the top African teams played aganist?

AD: I can remember the best teams that i have played aganist in Africa. The game aganist Zambia,South Africa where we won.I cannot forget the loss aganist Egypt,Cameroon and Angola.

Soka25east:What is your say on football standards in Ethiopia?

AD: Corruption and backward system are our Ethiopia Football problems.

Soka25east:And who is your best motivator in your career?

AD: Dines Berckamp is my legend.

–Additional reporting by Timotios Baye Mengistu.