St George, who lifted the BetKing Ethiopian Premier League for the 16th time on Saturday, are the record champions of Ethiopia with 31 top-flight titles in all.
This remarkable achievement is thanks in many parts to the technical nous of their head coach, Zerihun Shengeta.
Over the years, no club has dominated the league as much as the Horsemen, but after going through a rough patch over a five-year period, they have regained their familiar position in the last two years.
The team is going through a renaissance under the tutelage of Shengeta, who has now joined an elite club of six coaches who have won two or more titles in a row.
Coach Zerihun has become the sixth coach in the history of the Ethiopian Premier League to win the league title for a second year in a row.
“I am happy to go down in history with the coaches who trained me and the coaches I worked with,” he said. "It gives me great satisfaction. I didn't think I would be equal to them, but I am proud to be part of the history of my favourite club."
Zerihun has had the opportunity to work with Micho, Seyoum Kebede, Asrat Haileall, Gebre Medihn Haile and Martin Noy and credits them all for contributing to his development and success.
Zerihun says that winning the 2021/22 title was more challenging that this year's achievement. "There were a lot of of ups and down during the 2021/22 season. It was my first title win, so it is a bit more special for me."
However, the 2022/23 title did not come easily either and posed many challenges too, he adds.
"The 2022/23 season wasn't easy either. We improved psychologically and were technically more disciplined. We created the best St George's team and I am happy that we won the 16th league title this year as well."
Shengeta has a deep connection to the club and has won many trophies as a player as well.
"I won many league titles in the years I played. During my 12-year tenure from 1985-1996, I was part of many of the club's victories.
"I am happy that I have won a cup that no one has done since the establishment of St George," he proudly recalls.
Looking at the past season, Shengeta says Arbaminch City, Ethio Electric and even Legetafo Legedadi, who were relegated during the season, were challenging opponents.
"To tell you the truth, for us, all 30 matches this year were hard. Even Ethio Electric, Legetafo Legodadi and Arba Minch were difficult opponents for us, so we paid a lot of attention and fought in every match."
Coach Shengeta paid tribute to St George' fans. "St George fans are my '12th player'. There was no competition in Addis Ababa for two whole years. They came wherever we went. They supported the players everywhere. I want to thank them."
Last season St George had a tough fight with Fasil Kenema and had to battle until the last week to win the title. This season, Bahir Dar City and Ethiopian Insurance were their main competitors.
"Last season we fought until the last match and Fasil had a good time. This year, Bahir Dar City and Ethiopian Insurance were better rivals than the others. Compared to last year, many clubs were stronger this year."
Zerihun knows that expectations will be high that the club will claim a third title in a row next season.
Indeed, winning is always expected at St George. The players and supporters of the club say that a draw or a defeat is not allowed in St George's account."We will see what the future holds."
This season's competition was held in the cities of Hawassa, Dire Dawa, Adama and Bahir Dar.
Zerihun said that he had a good time in the cities of Adama, Dire Dawa and Bahir Dar, but he said that he did not think that he spent that much time in Hawassa due to the discomfort of the field.
Zerihun finally offered his thanks and appreciation to all those who he felt contributed to his success.
"First of all, I would like to give thanks to Virgin Mary. As always, I have great respect for her. Next, I would like to thank our fans who are the 12th player wherever we go. I would like to express my gratitude to the board leaders who trusted me and the office and camp staff.”
“I want to congratulate my players, my assistants and the entire coaching staff who have done a great job for me. I want to congratulate and thank my wife Sosna Haile, Nebiyu,Yohana, Yostina, my family, my mother, Brothers, and Sisters. To my dear friend Endashaw Molla who has always been with me, I congratulate you as much as you wish. Thank you all."