Ramovic is still not done earning respect he feels he deserves

Mihlali Baleka

SEAD Ramovic could very well become the coach and man he thinks he is if all goes according to plan by close of business in the DStv Premiership next month.

The German tactician is on the cusp of leading TS Galaxy to their best finish in the league: the coveted second place.

Galaxy will host second-placed Stellenbosch FC at Mbombela Stadium on Sunday evening (5.30pm) in a match that is sure to have an influence on their fate.

Stellies will make the long trip from the Winelands to Mpumalanga as favourites given their 23-game unbeaten streak in all competitions.

🚨⚽️ IT'S MATCHDAY! ⚽️🚨

TS Galaxy FC vs Stellenbosch FC

🗓Date: 21 April 2024
🕑Time: 17:30 pm
🏟Location: Mbombela Stadium@aQuelle @aQuelleViV#Siyadumuza #TheRockets #TSG pic.twitter.com/8TVIKRIXCP

— TS Galaxy FC (@TSGALAXYFC) April 21, 2024

And they are on a high after reaching yet another semi-final by mauling SuperSport United 4-0 in the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals last weekend.

Galaxy, meanwhile, are on a low, having lost 2-0 to Chippa United in their quarter-final for their first loss at home since November.

But Stellenbosch coach Steve Barker will know that he can’t read too much into that defeat against Ramovic.

Ramovic hasn’t only worked hard because he thinks his team is “underrated and not given enough praise in the league” but because he feels he deserves respect as well.

The 45-year-old was involved in an intense spat with his Mamelodi Sundowns opposite number Rulani Mokwena because he “disrespected me and my players”.

And Galaxy players backed their coach, with captain Pogiso Sanoka saying they are willing to crawl as players as long as Ramovic can walk.

“I think the only way for us to let him continue being himself is for us to bring results in the matches,” said Sanoka. “If we let him talk and talk and then we don’t get the results, then it’s only him against the world, so we must be there for him and support each other.”

To support each other is something Ramovic and his players have done, the team growing in leaps and bounds despite letting go of some of their big names. Ramovic hasn’t shied away from dismissing players he feels are lazy to pull their weight for the benefit and growth of the team.

Sibusiso Vilakazi and Xola Mlambo are notable experienced and talented players who have had a fallout with Ramovic, resulting in their departures.

As the season unfolds, each moment is a chapter in our journey. Join us as we reflect on our objectives for the remainder of the season with Thabang Rakwena. 🚀@aQuelle @aQuelleViV#Siyadumuza #TheRockets #TSG pic.twitter.com/ratEsk0SpI

— TS Galaxy FC (@TSGALAXYFC) April 18, 2024

These departures have been supported by club chairman Tim Sukazi, confirming the relationship and trust the former agent has with Ramovic.

In fact, Sukazi initially backed Ramovic to take his club to greater heights when he offered him a new contract after a poor start, despite it seemingly being easier to sack him.

Even when the club was in a financial crisis, the duo continued to work together in search of a solution that would allow players to perform at their best.

So far, so good. But Galaxy, by their own standards, can still overachieve if they win their last nine games, starting against Stellies on Sunday, as they’d finish second.

And by doing so, not only would Ramovic market himself to better suitors, but he’d have proven that he deserves more respect and recognition than he’s been getting.

mihlali.baleka@inl.co.za