Thirsty Whale Hawke’s Bay United are delighted to add midfielder Birhanu Taye to their list of latest signings.

The highly-rated 22-year-old will be joining his team mates when pre-season training kicks-off next month.

Currently with Wellington Olympic, this will be Taye’s second time around at Hawke’s Bay United, first playing for the club in the 2015/16 season.

Speaking exclusively to the Hawke’s Bay United website, Taye says he did have other clubs interested, but the Thirsty Whale sponsored side was always his number one choice.

The opportunity to work with Bay’s head coach Brett Angell, and the camaraderie among the team were big draw cards for the youngster.

“I decided to go with Hawke’s Bay because I’ve worked under Brett before and I get on really well with him.

“This will be my second time around [at Hawke’s Bay United]. Hawke’s Bay was my first time playing national league, and I’m looking forward to going back.”

The former New Zealand U20 player adds that the supportive team environment on and off the park was also a huge enticement, and he is looking forward to re-joining Angell’s squad.

The youngster, who had a spell at Portuguese Premier League club Sporting Braga in 2013/14, and counts Team Wellington FC, SKF Sered (Slovakia), and FC Slovan Liberec (Czech Republic) among his previous clubs, has big ambitions for the upcoming ISPS Handa Premiership campaign.

“Realistically I would like to make the playoffs, which Hawke’s Bay have done the last few seasons.

“Our goal will also be to go a step further and win the league and get a place in the OFC, which I think Hawke’s Bay deserves after being in the playoffs so many times. That would be the main goal.”

Taye is currently completing a Bachelor of Nursing in the capital city, and will be travelling between Wellington and the Bay over the next couple of months, before completing a more permanent move.

“I’m studying at Massey at the moment and will finish my exams in November, so I’ll move up after exams, but until then I’ll be travelling on Thursdays for training and going back on Sunday.

“I’m really excited about the season and I’ll look to work hard to contribute positively to the team.”

Everyone at Hawke’s Bay United welcomes Birhanu to the club, and wishes him all the best for the season.