Many critics thought that given the club's history of poor management, not even the biggest names would make a difference. Elimination in the first round of the season's curtain raiser, the Federation Cup, only gave more fuel to that apprehension. But Brothers held firm when it came to the Premier Division and lifted their maiden league title yesterday.

It was a time to remember the figures who had laid the foundation of this success. Brothers officials dedicated the triumph to the Late Gafur Balooch, their first coach and the recently assassinated Anwarul Haq Piaru, who captained Brothers in the 80s.

"Gafur Belooch had a long association with the club and he turned Brothers into a force in the early years. The club also has sweet memories under Piaru. That's why we have decided to dedicate this success to them," said an ecstatic Brothers secretary Nizamuddin.

Brothers Union was founded in 1949. They broke into the top flight in the 1974-75 season and created a stir when they beat the previous year's champions Abahani 1-0 in their first game.

They became runners-up in the First Division League in 1978 and 1985 and emerged champions in the 1991 Federation Cup after. They also clinched the 1979 Aga Khan Gold Cup trophy. But all these years, the league title remained elusive for the orange team.

"Discipline and commitment were the key to achieving this success," said an emotion choked Brothers President AFM Jahangir.

"We are looking to continue our success. We made a formidable team to start a new era in the country's football," he added.

Brothers had lost their two previous matches coming into yesterday's encounter but Indian technical advisor Naimuddin said that he was always confident.

"The Boys played extremely well all through the league except in the last two games. I think the team deserved the title," said the former international.

Coach Abu Noman Nannu gave all the credit to manager Amer Khan for his brilliant association

with the club.

"Amer did an excellent job in maintaining the discipline in the team," said Nannu.

Amer Khan was however full of praise for the players. "All are very experienced and they knew their job well. We didn't have to tell them much," he said.

Captain Alfaz said that most of the team members had earlier experienced the joy of a title with different clubs but this was still a very different feeling.

"We played for a club which was desperately looking for a title for long and they spent a lot of money. We are happy that we could fulfill their dream,' said the ace striker.