TS Galaxy head coach Sead Ramovic has launched a scathing attack on the state of pitches in the SA elite league, describing them as a “cow-breaking” disgrace.
Ramovic was left fuming after his side’s 3-1 defeat to Stellenbosch FC in the MTN8 quarter-finals at Danie Craven Stadium on Sunday.
The Rockets were the first team to break the deadlock through Kamogelo Sebelebele. However, Stellies came back stronger to score three goals courtesy of Jayden Adams, Andre De Jong and Fawaaz Basadien.
But the playing surface in Stellenbosch was in a deplorable condition, and Ramovic expressed his frustration after the game.
The cup tie was Galaxy’s debut in the MTN8 competition as the club secured its spot in the tournament after finishing sixth in the DStv Premiership with 44 points from 30 matches last season.
SEAD RAMOVIC CRIES FOUL OVER PITCH CONDITIONS
Ramovic has urged the PSL to prioritise pitch conditions because teams cannot afford to play on pitches that can even break a “cow’s leg.”
He went on to state that the PSL must meet the standards of the MTN8 competition, which has increased the 2024 MTN8 winners’ prize money to R10 million from R8 million, with the participation fee also increasing to R1 million from R800,000.
The Rockets coach further noted if they meet Stellies in a cup game again, they would rather play in a swimming pool than play on a “horrible” pitch.
“First and foremost, I would like to congratulate the opponent for a fair and tough game. I would also like to give credit to my team. Why? When you try to fight the whole season to be in the MTN8 cup, it is painful,” said Ramovic.
“You then come into a game where a cow can break its leg. Where are the PSL standards? And you allow two teams to play on a horrible pitch like this.
“How can they allow the game on a professional level to be played on a field like this? I think it’s best that next time we play again, maybe in the Nedbank Cup, we get a draw against Stellenbosch; maybe we should just play in a swimming pool. It’s the same thing; it’s embarrassing professionally.”
The German mentor continued: “It’s very bad. But I think we tried to play well, and we scored the first goal. But after that, we conceded easy goals. However, all in all, I give a lot of credit to my team how they put their efforts and attitude.
“Yeah, now MTN8 has increased the money from R8 million to R10 million. I think they can increase to R200 [million] if PSL allows teams to play on this kind of field. What’s the point of increasing everything else if the main thing [field] is like it is for both teams?” He asked.
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