Chapter 83: Champions!

Words : 1184 Updated : Sep 21st, 2025

What does it feel like to be a champion? It is silent. At the Zrinjski Stadium, everyone remained silent. Their eyes constantly flicked between the pitch and the clock. No one shouted, no one applauded. They just watched the second hand tick forward with mechanical precision, hearts filled with indescribable tension. But it is also passionate. Breaths became shallow, heartbeats accelerated, and adrenaline surged wildly—everyone was feverishly excited. On the pitch, it was the 89th minute. Zrinjski Mostar 1:0 Željezničar Sarajevo. Including stoppage time, at most five minutes remained. In five minutes, Mostar would become the center of all of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This small town was on the verge of standing at the summit of Bosnian football. And at this moment, emotions began to burst. "Hold on!!!!——" "CHAMPIONS! TAKE THAT TITLE!!" The fans were no longer idle or relaxed like campers. They stood up, necks craned, eyes locked on the pitch. They knew the title was within reach. On the field, every player fought with all they had. They chased every ball, squeezed out the last ounce of energy, and tirelessly blocked Željezničar's attacks. The fourth official raised the board: 3 minutes of stoppage time. Three minutes from the final whistle. Three minutes from being crowned champions! "Get that ball!" Suker slid in hard, smashing the ball away from Mekic's feet. Due to the force, he tumbled over the sideline. But he didn't waste a second—he bounced up and sprinted back into position. "Focus! Last three minutes!" Suker shouted, turning to mark his man immediately. Modrić was also defending hard. In a battle for possession, he collided with Vukotić, both crashing to the ground. But even in the fall, Modrić managed to poke the ball out of bounds. Vukotić watched the ball sail away, a flash of frustration on his face. "Bošnjaković! Get in the box! Win the header!" Even in the final moments, Željezničar was trying to use Bošnjaković's height to equalize. But Zrinjski Mostar gave them no openings. "I'm here!" Kosović sprinted back, teaming with Mašović to sandwich Bošnjaković between them. One defender might not win in the air—but two together? That's a different story. To maximize the threat, Mekic's cross was aimed closer to goal. But Mostar's keeper, Kišch, roared as he leapt out—leaving his line with perfect timing. He snatched the ball mid-air, dropped to the ground, and held tight. ". . . Not much time left now. Željezničar Sarajevo is still pushing for an equalizer, but Zrinjski Mostar's defense is resolute." "Bosnian national keeper Kišch made a vital intervention—this clearance brings Mostar even closer to the title!" "Zrinjski Mostar—last time they lifted a title was back in the Yugoslav second division!" "Since the formation of the Bosnian Premier League, they've never won the domestic top-flight championship. FK Sarajevo teams have always dominated." "But this season, this little town of Mostar put on a stunning display!" "Since the arrival of Van stoyak, the team received a brand new tactical injection. With Modrić and Suker anchoring both ends of the field, they've become a powerhouse." "Players like Kosović, Mašović, Kišch—all destined to be part of Mostar's football history!" "Yes! Their very first top-flight title is within grasp!" The referee looked down at his watch. The crowd grew restless. They desperately wanted that final whistle. They couldn't wait to lift that trophy. Bang! Suker collided with Vukotić again. Though staggered, as he fell, Suker still managed to poke the ball away. Vukotić rushed to regain control—but Boban charged in, booting the ball far away. The camera panned upward—to the deep blue sky above Mostar. The ball arched across the air, soaring high. At that moment—a piercing whistle rang out. WHIIIISTLE!!! FULL TIME. ROAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The deafening cheer of over ten thousand fans erupted like a tidal wave. As the whistle sounded—the stadium exploded. Zrinjski Mostar's entire bench rushed the field. After 90 minutes of grueling battle, after a whole season of hard work—they finally did it. Champions. They were champions! ". . . Full-time whistle! Zrinjski Mostar defeats Željezničar Sarajevo 1:0. They maintain a 5-point lead and clinch the title with one round to spare!" "A long 10-month season—Mostar dazzled throughout!" "Victory after victory, stunning performances—this championship is well-earned." "Their first-ever domestic top-flight title!" "Congratulations to Zrinjski Mostar! The 2002/2003 Bosnian Premier League Champions!" Fans spilled over barriers and swarmed the pitch. The entire stadium was overrun with joy. They chased the players, they celebrated wildly. "Champions! Champions!" "We are the champions!" Oripe, round and chubby, was surprisingly agile at this moment. He was the first to reach Suerk—grabbing him in a massive bear hug. "Holy hell! That was incredible!!" "Champions! You brought a title to Mostar!" "We're champions of Bosnia!!" Then he hoisted Suker onto his shoulders. From up there, Suker could see the faces below—lit up with joy. SUKER! SUKER! SUKER! They chanted his name. No doubt—Suker, the match-winner and the game's standout performer, was the man of the match. The league official observers confirmed it: Suker—Man of the Match! The crowd roared again. On Oripe's shoulders, Suker celebrated with the crowd. This day would forever be etched in the history of Mostar. "All right! Time to calm down—security is clearing the field for the trophy ceremony!" A makeshift platform was erected at midfield. The championship trophy was placed in front. It was simple, like a giant wine glass, with a crown-shaped top. When the players returned to the field, it was time—trophy presentation. Following the staff's guidance, the players ascended the stage and received their gold medals from league officials. "You played brilliantly today. We look forward to even better performances from you." The Bosnian FA president smiled as he shook Suker's hand. Suk returned the handshake. As he approached the trophy stage, Suker looked to the stands and shouted: "Oripe! Get my photo!" He pointed to his medal and called impatiently. Oripe pulled out his camera and started clicking furiously. "Here! Take more!" Suker didn't just take solo shots—he dragged Modrić, Skolk, and Boame in for group photos. Their smiles were radiant under the camera. Though drenched in sweat, it only made the joy in the photo more genuine. When the photos were done, Suker sat right in the middle of the stage. Modrić quickly joined him. Then, Kosović came over—holding the trophy. "Captain! Don't drop it!" Suker shouted. Kosović pretended to stumble—everyone screamed. Then he burst out laughing. Ohhhhhhh!!! Suker raised his hands, looking up at the trophy above him. With rhythmic drumbeats as prelude, Kosović raised the trophy high. BOOM BOOM BOOM! Fireworks exploded across the sky. ROAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Over ten thousand fans shouted as one. At this moment—glory belonged to Mostar. They were champions of the Bosnian Premier League! Oripe lifted his camera and captured the unforgettable scene. In his memory, that little boy had just arrived in Mostar—and now, years later, he had taken his first step toward his dreams. A bold step. A brilliant step. Champion. A word that will always be beautiful.

Chapter 83: Champions!

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