Saint George crowned Ethiopian champions

Fitsum GebremariamAddis Ababa, Ethiopia – Saint George were crowned the 2013/2014 Ethiopian Premier League champions on Monday evening (26 May 2014) with five matches to go after upsetting Sidama Coffee 1-0 at the Yirgalem Stadium.

It was a record 26th title for ‘Sanjaw’ or ‘Kidus Giorgis’ as they are popularly referred to by their passionate fans as they wrestled the title back from last season’s champions, Dedebit.

Youngster Fitsum Gebremariam who has been in superb form scored the all-important goal in the second half sending the stadium to raptures.

Saint George began the game like a house on fire as they yearned for another title. The first half ended in a barren draw as Sidama Coffee defenders stood their ground thwarting all attempts from Oumed Oukri, who was playing his last game after penning a three-year deal with Egyptian side, Ittihad Alexadria effective next season.

Fitsum continued with his goal scoring spree when he latched onto a loose ball before firing the visitors into a lead that they held on to the last whistle.

‘Kidus Giorgis’ have won 19 of the 21 matches with 58 points, 20 more than second-place Ethiopia Bunna. Dedebit are a distant seventh on 27 points.