ISL’s first goal scorer Fikru Teferra pursuing a career in coaching
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ISL’s first goal scorer Fikru Teferra pursuing a career in coaching | File Image[/caption]
Internet Desk: Remember Fikru Teferra Lemessa, who thrilled the Indian football fans for Atletico de Kolkata in the inaugural season of Indian Super League (ISL). The scorer of the first goal in ISL is pursuing a career in coaching. Fikru, who played for Chennaiyin FC last season in ISL, is in South Africa to do an entry level coaching course with South African Football Association (SAFA).
The Ethiopian striker last plied his trade in Bangladesh Premier League for Sheikh Russell at the beginning of this year and is awaiting the next transfer window to open as he still has intentions of continuing with his playing career.
“Right now I am thinking of doing a coaching course and I am talking to the relevant people. I am talking to a couple of people right now regarding playing but will definitely not be in a hurry to go into the next contract. My plan is to keep my options open until the next transfer window by which time I hope to be able to get into another club,” Teferra told a sports website in South Africa.
The three times Ethiopian Player of the Year, who had set the Indian Super League on fire with his flamboyant summersaults after scoring a goal is yet to decide on his future. But a disappointing season last year with ISL Champions Chennaiyin FC did not get his contract renewed. Fikru scored just 1 goal from 11 matches for Marco Materazzi’s team.
On being asked to comment what transpired him to play in Bangladesh, a straight forward Fikru said, “We don’t play football for passion anymore but to earn money so that we look after our families. If a club offers you a contract that you agree to, why shouldn’t you go there? If they pay you the kind of money that you agree to then you will go anywhere in the world because football is now played everywhere in this world.”
He added,“If you want to play football and be able to look after your family you can go and play anywhere because your kids will not eat your pride.
“A few years ago India was being dismissed as a football destination but right now so many players are calling me all wanting to go there. The mentality of being dismissive about the football in other countries should stop.
The 30-year-old has now developed a journeyman reputation plying his trade all over the world starting with Orlando Pirates before playing for SuperSport United, FK Mlada Boleslav in Czech Republic, Thanh Hoa in Vietnam, Free State Stars, University of Pretoria, Milano United, Atletico de Kolkata, Bidvest Wits, Chennaiyin FC and Sheikh Russell.
