The Montenegrin tactician had vowed that the trophy would remain in Kuwait and admitted after the exciting yet draining final that his statement was made to heap pressure on himself and away from his players.

"I said what I said due to the expectations on the team. I didn't want them to feel the pressure and so I decided to take it upon myself.

"I knew that if we had come up short, I would have been the one blamed and I was happy to deal with that," said Jovovic.

It was a bold move that very nearly didn't pay off, with Svay Rieng racing to a two-goal lead within the opening nine minutes and Jovovic admitted that it affected his players mentally.

"Losing 2-0 at home and not playing well can be mentally challenging. There were many things that we were not doing right.

"It was a case of the two halves and extra-time. We conceded to their first two attacks, were struggling to cope with their attacking players.

"After we made changes at the break, we were much better and drew level. Another mistake in extra time saw them scoring again but again, my players found the will to respond and deliver the trophy to the club, fans and the country of Kuwait."

As Kuwait SC set their sights on challenging for the AFC Champions League two title next season, Jovovic expressed special praise for two stalwarts who played a major role in their triumph.

Amr Abd El Fattah Ammouri, named tournament MVP and player of the final, and veteran Yousef Al Sulaiman played sterling roles with Jovovic saying he was proud with how both had responded when needed.

"All my players are special and the two of them have delivered for the team time and again. I have created a competitive culture in the team and they respond each and every time. I am proud of them and also those who didn't play in the final. They did their part too in getting us to the title."