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KOTA KINABALU: Sabah celebrated their coronation as Premier League champions and their first title in 23 year with 1-0  victory over Kelantan in  an evening of elation at the Likas Stadium, Saturday.

It was the Tambadaus’ official homecoming after winning the title on Tuesday with the 2-1 win over UiTM FC in Shah Alam.

They concluded the remarkable story that has won the hearts of many Sabahans when the players and officials paraded the trophy after  captain  Rawilson Batuil received it  from Head of State Tun Haji Juhar Haji Mahiruddin.

An official figure of 10,200 fans turned up to witness the historic moment despite the heavy downpour and those seated on the open stands were seen soaking wet.

Also those watching from the covered VIP stands together with  Sabah Football Association Acting President Datuk Peter Anthony were Chief Minister Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal and Youth and Sports Minister Ginger Phoong  Jin Zhe.

The victory on the evening was simply another demonstration of the players’ commitment and hard work that has brought them the title.

It was not a quality match by both teams with the heavy pitch condition. There were lot of fouls, but Sabah simply did what they have done all season to grind out a win.

Both were unable to break the deadlock until the 58th minute when Kelantan keeper  Fikri Che Som who had just turned Rodoljub Paunovic spot kick behind for a corner failed to make a clean catch in the resulted corner kick allowing Ahmed Atayev to put in the ball.