Ydnekatchew Tessema

Soccer Player

Birthday September 11, 1921

Birth Sign Virgo

Birthplace Jimma, Ethiopia

DEATH DATE Aug 19, 1987 (65)

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About

One of Ethiopia's greatest athletes; helped establish the country's sports organizations and founded the Ethiopian Sports office.

Before Fame

He played for Saint-George SA from 1943 until 1958.

Trivia

He led the movement to expel South Africa from African Football in 1960, from the 1971 Olympics, and from FIFA in 1976 because of its ongoing apartheid.

Family Life

His father, Negadras Tessema Ehete, had been Iyasu V of Ethiopia's Minister of Telegraph and Posts, but when Iyasu was deposed, Negadras was sent into exile.

Associated With

He, Mengistu Worku, and Luciano Vassalo were widely considered to be the greatest Ethiopian footballers in history.