Loyalists rejoice Mohammedan triumph

The vibe would likely have been different had Mohammedan SC clinched their maiden Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) title with a win on the field -- especially after such a dominant display by the Black and Whites throughout the tournament.

Instead, their first top-tier league title in 23 years was secured when archrivals Abahani lost to Fortis FC on Saturday.

Even though fan frenzy was largely absent, what stood out was the longing of Mohammedan loyalists to see their club end the long trophy drought. Hardly any fans could be seen at the Mohammedan club tent in Motijheel today, but former Mohammedan players like Hasanuzzaman Khan Bablu, Kazi Jasim Uddin Josy, Imtiaz Sultan Jonny, Rumman Bin Wali Sabbir, among many others, turned up at the club premises to celebrate the joyous occasion.

There has long been an emotional attachment among these players to one of the country's most popular outfits, which reached its peak with their help in the 1980s and 1990s before enduring a prolonged dry spell without the prestigious league title for over two decades.

Understandably, the former players and supporters were exhausted by the repeated failures of their beloved club and had borne the pain of not winning the coveted BPL title – the only trophy missing from Mohammedan's cabinet.

Now, they all share the same sentiment -- relief and ecstasy at seeing their side back at the top once again.

"Alhamdulillah, I am very happy because a long-held expectation has finally been fulfilled," said Josy, a league-winning Mohammedan member in 1982, 1986, and 1987.

"It has been unbearable to go 23 years without the league title. We were also victims of discrimination when it came to recruiting players. Mohammedan were tagged as 'the opposition', and many didn't dare to finance the club. But the approach changed after the Casino scandal," said the former speedy winger.

Jonny, who won three league titles with Mohammedan SC, said, "I can't express my happiness right now. I hadn't even counted the years without the league title – and now I realize it has been 23 years."

"It's hard to describe the feeling of becoming champions again. We always hoped, but for many years, Mohammedan were fighting to avoid relegation. That was unbearable. It happened due to previous mismanagement," said Sabbir, adding that the involvement of former players in the last six years since the Casino scandal helped revive the club's past glory.

Former player Sayeed Hasan Kanon called the triumph a result of hard work across all levels and urged the club to take immediate steps to build a strong squad for next season.

"This is the time to form the squad and plan for the next season. It is crucial that we decide about the future while celebrating the title," Kanon said.

For Mohammedan -- a club that has overcome numerous challenges in recent years -- turning Kanon's words into action is crucial if they are to avoid another 23-year wait for league glory.