Olimpi scale Georgian heights again

FC Olimpi Rustavi coach Temur Makharadze was left basking in "huge happiness" after a 1-1 draw against closest rivals FC Dinamo Tbilisi earned his side a second title in four years.

"There's nothing better than taking first place after a long, difficult season," said Makharadze, who guided FC Zestafoni to the Georgian Cup in 2008. "The secret of our success is team spirit. I have a team of real men and we speak the same language. They see me as a friend, though that does not mean they do not respect me as a coach."

The 60-year-old has earned that respect. Olimpi have not lost since he took charge at the end of October, and extended their unbeaten run to 22 matches against Dinamo after Givi Kvaratskhelia's header had put the hosts in front. Tengiz Chikviladze equalised midway through the second half to earn his side a share of the spoils; not enough to deny Olimpi a second title in four seasons since returning to the top flight.

"My last defeat came against Olimpi when I was at FC Sioni Bilnisi," said Makharadze, whose current charges are 11 points clear at the summit with three games left. "We haven't lost a game since I arrived and are unbeatable at the moment, to be honest – but that will not last forever."