MIHLALI BALEKA
The rivalry between coaches Rulani Mokwena and Sead Ramovic could continue in Morocco after TS Galaxy’s boss Tim Sukazi confirmed Ramovic’s move to Raja Casablanca.
“It’s a done deal,” Sukazi said of the Galaxy head coach’s move to the Moroccan giants, according to a SABC report yesterday afternoon.
“Ramovic is expected to fly out after the friendly with Young Africans (tonight) and he will take with him the two assistants, Beganovic Adnan and Kodro Mustafa, and goalkeeper coach Greg Etafia.”
Ramovic’s move to Raja has put an end to speculation around his future, having been linked to the club for some time during the winter transfer window.
However, the universal observer will hope that his rivalry with Mokwena continues in north Africa. Mokwena was sacked by Mamelodi Sundowns early this month before joining Wydad Casablanca on a bumper three-year deal.
Mokwena and Ramovic had an intense rivalry in the local top flight last season, sparked when Galaxy eliminated Sundowns from the Carling Knockout. But with the duo now direct opponents in Casablanca given the magnitude of the two clubs, they’ll have their work cut out for them both on and off the pitch.
Mokwena has to awaken sleeping giants Wydad, after a below-par campaign last season where they finished sixth.
Meanwhile, Ramovic will try to fill the big shoes of countryman Josef Zinnbauer, who led Raja to an ‘invicible’ domestic season, winning the league and Throne Cup.
The loss of Ramovic will leave a huge void at Galaxy given how he was able to turn ordinary players into international superstars. Under the German’s watch, Galaxy sold 10 players in the last 12 months, including captain Given Msimango, who’s now a Bafana Bafana defender, to Kaizer Chiefs.
Sukazi, though, is not losing sleep over Ramovic’s departure.
“It is part of our moral fibre to release our people when they are called for better opportunities elsewhere,” said Sukazi.
“We’ve mostly done it with our players and our coaches are not excluded from this governing principle at our club. Raja Casablanca is amongst the top five clubs in the African continent, and it is not so often that a coach gets head-hunted for their head coach position.
“Therefore, our blessings, as given to coach Sead Ramovic, are informed by our appreciation of the opportunity afforded to him. We wish him well and he will be an extension of our family in Morocco.”
Meanwhile, Galaxy have reportedly started their search for Ramovic’s replacement, and could unveil him in their friendly against Bundesliga side FC Augsburg in the Mpumalanga Premier’s International Cup on Saturday.