TS Galaxy coach Sead Ramovic has revealed the reasons why he has been using Samir Nurkovic as his super sub instead of throwing him in the starting eleven.
The former Kaizer Chiefs forward joined Galaxy in September 2023 after his move to join Moroccan giants Raja Casablanca did not materialise.
Nurkovic has been influential since joining the Rockets, having played 14 matches across all competitions, mostly coming in as a substitute.
So far, the Serbian frontman has scored six goals, five in the league, and one from the Carling Knockout Cup.
According to Opta Jabu, all five of Nurkovic’s goals in the DStv Premiership this season have come as a substitute.
Many football fanatics anticipated seeing Nurkovic storming into the Galaxy starting eleven. But the former Amakhosi marksman has been restricted to a role from the bench, coming on as a super sub.
SEAD RAMOVIC ON WHY SAMIR NURKOVIC HAS BEEN STARTING ON THE BENCH
During the Nedbank Cup press conference, Ramovic said he had decided not to start with Nurkovic, as he didn’t want to rush him.
“Samir is an unbelievable striker. I met so many players through my playing career and also as a coach, and I can clearly say that I didn’t see many of them, very great personnel and very hard working guy, fantastic attitude, and very great human being,” said Ramovic.
“We are very lucky to have Samir in our team. He’s on top fitness now and he will help us a lot. We still have 14 games in the league, and hopefully more games in the cup game.
“I’m hoping that he doesn’t get injured or any of our players because we have 22 players. We are a small team. But we are very happy and also talk about our knowledge that no one got injured so it means our preparations are class. I have to give credit to my technical team.”
‘WE WILL SEE A LOT OF HIM’
Ramovic further made assurances that Nurkovic will be given more game time as the striker is in top fitness.
“Samir is a guy who trains every day on the best. I’m sure every team in the league will be happy to have Samir in their squad. I’m pretty sure that we will see a lot of him still, until the end of the season,” Ramovic added.
The Rockets will take on Golden Arrows in the Nedbank Cup last 32 clash on Friday, 23 February 2024. The game will start at 19:00 at Mpumalanga Stadium.
RELATED STORY: ‘I’m surprised no one picked him up before we signed him’ – Sead Ramovic
