FK Sarajevo on top of the world

FK SARAJEVO repaid the trust of their owner, Tan Sri Vincent Tan, when they clinched the Bosnia Herzegovena Premier League title yesterday with a 3-1 win over FK Sloboda Tuzla.
With only one point separating Sarajevo from second-placed FK Zeljeznicar, it came down to the last game of the season and "The Maroon's" did not disappoint their Malaysian owner, who had only taken over the club in July of last year.
Yesterday's victory, with goals coming from Leon Benko (12), Krste Velkoski (18) and Nimanja Bilbija (78) capped an excellent year for FK Sarajevo, who lost only two games the whole season to finish on 66 points, three points ahead of second-placed Zeljeznicar.
Berjaya Group founder Tan's investment in FK Sarajevo has seen the club win two trophies (League and Cup) after going seven years without any success.
The President of FK Sarajevo, Edis Kusturica, could not hide his excitement after victory was clinched, saying "I'm terribly excited. The giant of Bosnian football has awoken and we are the champions... We did not give up."
He also conveyed the feelings of owner Tan, saying: "He (Tan) is very pleased. He is elated for the team and the fans. He thinks it is a great success."
The experience of last year's foray into the Europa League, where they lost out to Germany's Borussia Monchengladbach, will augur well for the tiny Bosnian club as they now will rub shoulders with the likes of Manchester United in the Champions League qualifiers.
Tan, who was asked to help the Bosnian people by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, has seen his investment put to good use. FK Sarajevo has gone from a club that was saddled with debts to one that is dominating football in Bosnia.
The youth academy that was largely non-existent until Tan took over, is now likely to win three out of four trophies in the U-13 to U-19 age group. The success of the youth teams (the U-19 are already champions) will attract talented teenagers from across the country which in turn will boost the ability of the senior team to compete at the highest level.
Tan's financial assistance has also helped the club secure an excellent location for a modern 16-acre training facility which is scheduled for completion next season.
This means that Tan's other footballing interests, namely Championship side Cardiff City, Belgian first division club KV Kortrijkt and the soon to be launched Los Angeles Football club, will benefit from the talent that is being pooled in Sarajevo.
Tan, who is fondly called "Amidza" or uncle by FK Sarajevo fans, has the full support of the Bosnian people, who see him at the heart of all positive developments in the country.
He said last year that "Bosnia is full of talent. We want to build a football academy that will attract the most talented players from all Bosnia and Herzegovina.
"We will offer them excellent conditions for training and will enable them to play in one of the best leagues in the world."
After yesterday's victory, it looks like the sun is finally shining on the people of Sarajevo.