TS Galaxy head coach, Sead Ramovic appears to take another dig at former Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena, lauding Downs’ current mentor Manqoba Mngqithi while discussing his ambitions to challenge the defending champions despite encountering a setback in his first league match. 

The Rockets suffered a shock 1-0 defeat away to Richards Bay FC on Sunday. Despite this setback, the Galaxy gaffer still views his team as one of the few clubs with the potential to rock the Sundowns ship this season.

In his brief preview, Ramovic expressed his admiration for the newly appointed Sundowns coach, revealing that he hopes to witness a continuation of Mokwena’s success at the club. 

“I think Manqoba is a very, very great coach, he also is a very respectful coach. I like him a lot, he’s a very good coach and I hope he can continue the great work that Rulani did with the team,” said the Galaxy coach. 

Ramovic had many clashes with Mokwena, who departed at the end of last season, calling him disrespectful to his players after Galaxy beat Sundowns in the first round of the Carling Knockout.    

Mokwena also accused Galaxy of targeting Bongani Zungu, who injured Bernard Parker in the game, with Mokwena adding he was informed that the players of Galaxy were told not to forget what happened to Parker. Galaxy boss Tim Sukazi demanded an apology from Mokwena, before taking the matter to court and Mokwena was not fazed by that, saying he will meet the club in court.   

Ramovic further praised the Pretoria side, acknowledging that their strengths do not only lie in their substantial financial resources, but a formidable squad with a strong fan base makes the club what it is.

“Of course, it would be nice if we can challenge them, many of us and we do not have to talk about the finances and the quality of the players they have, it’s just big, it’s just amazing, and also the club and the supporters is just high class,” complemented Ramovic. 

Under the leadership of Ramovic, Galaxy achieved their best topflight league finish (sixth) establishing themselves as one of the strongest sides in the league. 

Coming into the new season as one of the teams to beat, the German coach insists on the improvement of his team if they intend to pose a significant threat to their reigning league champions. 

“It’s nice to have a team like them in our league but of course, we would also like to improve and maybe give them also a tough time and this is how it goes I think for many teams but again, if you don’t have this financial you have to try other solutions,” explained the Galaxy tactician. 

Already on a back foot having lost his first game, Ramovic remains optimistic about his future but further passed his apologies for a ‘rubbish’ performance on Sunday.

“It’s a very disappointing game for all of us but I would also like to apologise to our supporters for this kind of rubbish that we played.”