Tusker and Harambee Stars goalkeeper Patrick Matasi left the country on Thursday to seal a transfer move with Ethiopian giants St. Georges.
Saint George Sports Club is an Ethiopian football club based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. They are members of the Ethiopian Football Federation and play in the top division of Ethiopian football, the Ethiopian Premier League. Founded in 1935, the club was a symbol of Ethiopian nationalism and resistance during the time of occupation of the country by fascist Italy.
The club is owned by the St. George Football Association. It is also financially supported by prominent Saudi Businessman Mohammed Hussein Al Amoudi and Ethiopian businessman Abenet Gebremeskel, who is also chairman of the club.
In June of 2018 it was announced that the club would sell most of its shares to fans.
Saint George have one of the largest fan bases in all of Ethiopian football and are known for their fervent displays during home matches. Often singing the club’s anthem and waving yellow and orange checkered flags, the supporters of Saint George provide some of the most festive atmospheres in Ethiopian football.
The ultras of the club are known to be involved in hooliganism, a is very prevalent phenomenon in the Ethiopian football. Clashes with rival support groups are common, especially during derby matches such as in the “Sheger Derby”.
Saint Geiege has won four and drew two last of its last six games. This move will definitely push Tusker to venture into the transfer window with an intention of getting a replacement.
Saint George plays its home matches at Addis Ababa Stadium, also known as Yidnekachew Tessema Stadium. Due to it being the largest international standard stadium in the area, the ground is shared with many other Addis Ababa-based clubs including Ethiopian Coffee, Defense, Addis Ababa City, EEPCO, and formerly CBE SA.
Since 1999, fee-paying supporters have owned St. George. In November 2007, the club had finished raising funds and would begin construction of a new stadium. Budgeted at 312 million Birr, 80% of the cost would be covered by Sheik Mohammed Al Amoudi with the balance to be contributed by the club’s supporters.