Sukazi gives his blessing to Ramovic’s potential move to Raja

TS Galaxy coach Sead Ramovic has been a breath of fresh air in the PSL’s top flight, but his chairman Tim Sukazi is open to seeing him soar to greater heights.

Ramovic has been heavily linked with Moroccan giants Raja Casablanca in recent weeks as a potential replacement for Josef Zinnbauer. The German’s move to Raja would be an elevation in his career given Raja’s pedigree on the continent and Zinnbauer’s success with the team last season.

He led Raja to an unbeaten season in the Botola Pro League and won the Throne Cup. Zinnbauer, though, has since attracted interest from the Saudi Pro League ahead of the new season.

Given the strides that Ramovic has made in the PSL elite league since joining Galaxy in 2021, it’s been said that he’s the frontrunner to replace his countryman. Addressing the media just before the start of the inaugural Mpumalanga Premier’s International Cup in Mbombela last weekend, Sukazi weighed in on the interest around Ramovic.

“He has attracted (interest) from Raja Casablanca. Him and I have been on this subject for five to six weeks, we have been discussing it because we’re close,” he said. “Should the situation be as such that he has to go and join Raja in Morocco, then that should happen.”

That Ramovic is being discussed in the corridors of one of the biggest clubs in Africa wouldn’t be possible if it wasn’t for Sukazi.

“When Ramovic came to TS Galaxy it was his first head coach job, he had no record. I just brought him because I could tell he had talent, he will make a difference to our game,” Sukazi said.

“There were questions that he could be a plumber, he’s not a coach. We had two points after eight games, we were last on the log, relegation bound.

“It was said I’m bringing in someone who has never been a head coach. But I said it will be a blessing to South African football and you can thank me later.”

Ramovic has repaid the faith shown in him by Sukazi by ensuring by developing players and getting results.

Last season, Galaxy sold seven players – two abroad and five locally – having turned them from ordinary to superstars, including Bafana Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs defender Given Msimango.

The Rockets also sold three players – Lehlohonolo Mojela, Pogiso Sanoka and Fiacre Ntwari – in the pre-season transfer window.

These returns have pleased Sukazi, who believes that Ramovic bought into his vision of being a nurturing and selling club as they are still relatively new in the top flight.

Ramovic has also set the league alight, forming an intense rivalry with former Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena last season.

The duo had interesting touchline battles, adding some spark to the league. It started when Galaxy eliminated Sundowns from the Carling Knockout. And with Mokwena having joined Raja’s cross-town rivals Wydad Casablanca in the last few days, the duo could renew their rivalry in Morocco next season.

Despite pledging his commitment to the Rockets for now, Ramovic, speaking after his team’s 2-2 draw with Mbabane Swallows in the Mpumalanga Premier’s Cup, took a jab at Mokwena.

“I think I should not leave because I heard the interview from my special friend Rulani, that the players started to cry, the kids cried and the wives also cried (when he left),” he said.

“So I don’t want to leave because if I leave the players will probably also cry, the Sundowns players. And then the kids are crying and then the wives are crying. I don’t want to do this, because they cried a lot because of Rulani.”