Ethiopia’s St. George striker Fitsum Gebremariam: “We can upset CS Sfaxien”

CAF: Aug. 15, 2013 - Fitsum Gebremariam is a striker of St. George. In the match against Malian side Stade de Malien he scored the second goal after coming as a substitute in the second half. This time he believes that beating the Tunisian side CS Sfaxien will not easy but St George is capable of causing an upset . Fitsum Gebremariam was talked to Cafonline.com ahead of this weekend’s Orange CAF Confederation Cup group stage match against the Tunisian side.

Cafonline.com: What sort of match do you expect match against CS Sfaxien?
Fitsum Gebremariam: Everybody says that it is difficult to beat CS Cfaxien. Considering their current position in Group A they are the favourites to win. But this is football. In any match nobody can tell results in advance. Prior to our travel to Tunisia we were told that some people had the fear that Etoile Du Sahel would trounce us but that was not the case. We conceded due to minor error. We are now prepared to play without repeating that mistake. So it is possible to win. The result will be determined after the final whistle.

Cafonline.com: How did you feel when you scored after coming on as a substitute?
Fitsum Gebremariam: I felt very happy simply because I served the purpose. When the coach makes substitute it means he expects the one entering to make a difference with fresh mind. I usually do that. What is important is making a difference at any time you are on the field playing.

Cafonline.com: Injuries will deprive St. George of Abebaw Butako and Degu Debebe how will the affect you?
Fitsum Gebremariam: Well, few experienced players are missing the Sunday crucial match. But our team has never been dependant on one or two players. For that matter at this time striker Adane Girma is in best form. He has fully recovered from his sustained injury. So is defender Biadgilign Elias. But when Adane was sidelined due to injury we won our international match and in the absence of Bidglign we won over the Malian side in Addis Ababa. I can say that no one is indispensable for our side. So in the absence of our experienced players a win is still possible.

Cafonline.com: Do you expect to be in the starting line up on Sunday?
Fitsum Gebremariam:That is what I hope will be the case but it is not my call and l am not worried if l start or do not start . This is the work of the coach. My focus is to make a difference as soon as I get the chance to do so. If we win, we have the chance of making a new record. Few expected us to be in the group stage. We have achieved that. If we advance in to the semi-final our international exposure will be wider than it is today. As a player this is what I aspire to. I want to play in more and more international games to get confidence.

Cafonline.com: How much do you know about CS Sfaxien ?
Fitsum Gebremariam: Yes, I have seen their play. We have watched footage of their game against Etoil Du Sahel. Personally I have the feeling that we will force them to drop 3 points for the first time in three games. I am expecting an upset on Sunday.