SHAH ALAM, July 10 (Bernama) -- A former Sabah player in the 90's, Jelius Ating describes his success in guiding Sabah to lift the Premier League trophy this season as a coach, as much sweeter compared to the title he won as a player 23 years ago.
The Sabah-born who was dubbed as the Iron Man for his grit as a defender, said it was long sweet wait to bag a title in the Malaysia League.
“We have been waiting for 23 years to be crowned as champions and as the coach, it is very meaningful to me,” he said when met by reporters after a Premier League match against UiTM FC at Stadium UiTM here last night.
Sabah clinched the 2019 Premier League title after defeating UiTM FC 2-1 and garnered an unassailable 40 points with three games in hand.
The victory was further fortified by a shock 1-3 defeat of their closest challengers, Johor Darul Ta'zim II to Negeri Sembilan at Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium in Paroi.
The conquest has also enabled Sabah to be promoted to the 2020 Super League. For the record, the last time Sabah were in action in the Super League was 2012 which saw it took the 13th spot.
In the game at Shah Alam, UiTM F C were ahead via Zarko Korac in the 30th minute before Sabah came from behind to blast in two goals namely a Rodoljub Paunovic penalty in the 57th minute and a field goal by Aguinaldo Mendes Veiga in the 66th minute.
Asked about the success recipe of the Tambadaus this season, Jelius who was part of the team to win the Premier League in 1996 said it was the hard work of his coaching team in forming the strong squad two years ago.
At the same time, he said Sabah only have three player who more than 30 years ago as the remaining members of his team are aged below 26 years.
"Even though, we have many young players, they proved their mettle and we also instilled in them the spirit of perseverance.
“Both the senior and young players held nothing back to show their quality and skills and such players who are committed to the team will continue to have a place in the squad,” Jelius said.
-- BERNAMA
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