Uhrin savours title win in Georgia

Stand up former Czech Republic coach Dušan Uhrin after FC Dinamo Tbilisi won their 13th Georgian championship at the weekend.

Champions again
The 65-year-old Czechoslovakian saw the culmination of 18 months' hard work when Dinamo Tbilisi triumphed by 1-0 at FC Zestaponi to put themselves out of reach of FC WIT Georgia in the Umaglesi Liga. "I would like to thank all the players, club officials and my coaching staff, because without them this success would have been impossible," said Uhrin, appointed in 2006. "I am proud and delighted that my work here has come to fruition and that Dinamo are once again champions." The capital team had been second best behind FC Olimpi Rustavi last season.

Departure
Uhrin intends to leave Dinamo at the end of a campaign in which they have two league games and at least a Georgian Cup semi-final against Zestafoni to play. "Because of health problems, it is likely that I won't be able to extend my contract. I need an operation and I won't be able to do any coaching for six months after that. What happens then, I can't predict, but I do know I won't be at Dinamo during this period. Still, I will have fond memories of my time here, because I fell in love with Tbilisi."

Semi-final
However, before he says any goodbyes, the well-travelled former AC Sparta Praha trainer has the unfinished business of the Zestafoni cup semi-final. "We expect a tough match because they are a very good side." Prospering under the tutelage of the Czechs' EURO '96™ coach has been 19-year-old forward Mate Vatsadze, whose decisive strike against Zestafoni on Saturday lifted Dinamo seven points clear of nearest rivals WIT. "Any goal is important to a striker but a goal that wins your club the title is priceless. I can't put these feelings into words."