Ramovic accepts Galaxy lost to a better team in Carling final

TS Galaxy coach Sead Ramovic was gracious in defeat after their 5-4 penalty shoot-out loss in the Carling Knockout final to Stellenbosch at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.

The two sides were locked at 1-1 after 120 minutes of play, with the game having to be decided on penalties, and with Stellies holding their nerve to win.

Lehlohonolo Mojela had given the Rockets the lead before Ismael Toure equalised in the second half.

Ramovic took time to congratulate Steve Barker for winning his first final, saying he deserved it, while adding that his side must now focus on their remaining matches in the DStv Premiership to end the year on a high.

“We were close to making it, but we didn’t.

“But my players, for me, are the champions, great guys and I would also like to congratulate the opponents of a very great club,” Ramovic said.

“They have a fantastic coach, a very nice human being on and off the field.

“If there is someone who deserves to win the cup, it’s him.

“God decided to give it to the right person even though we wanted to win the cup.

“We should be proud of ourselves and now we have two more games before the end of the year.

“We have to forget about this and I’m sure this is not the last final.

“We still have the Nedbank Cup and we will start from scratch.”

Ramovic was also pleased with the progress Galaxy have made since he took over two years ago.

“If you compare where this club was two years ago and you see now, the way we improved, you just have to be positive,” he said.

“But of course, if you don’t continue to work hard, we will go backwards. So we have to keep on going.”