Sead Ramovic returns to South Africa to face Gavin Hunt and Stellenbosch in Caf Confederation Cup

Sead Ramovic endeared himself to members of the local football fraternity during his spell at TS Galaxy, but he will return to South African shores on Sunday eager to inflict pain on a revered coach and his newly found project.

Ramovic will lead his CR Belouizdad side in their fourth CAF Confederation Cup group-stage match against Gavin Hunt’s Stellenbosch in South Africa, although the venue and kick-off time were yet to be confirmed.

The German coach returns to the country with a sizeable following, having turned Galaxy into a formidable force on the pitch despite the club operating as a selling outfit that nurtured and developed talent for profit, both locally and abroad.

Part of Ramovic’s success at Galaxy included guiding the club into the Top 8 just months after they had settled into the top flight following chairman Tim Sukazi’s purchase of Highlands Park’s status.

With “football beef” forged through on- and off-the-pitch battles, Ramovic also clashed regularly with then Mamelodi Sundowns co-coach Rulani Mokwena, the duo providing fiery duels whenever they crossed paths.

Ramovic and Mokwena have since taken their rivalry to Algiers, where Ramovic is calling the shots at Belouizdad, while Mokwena is in charge of MC Alger – a side he recently guided to their first league title of the season.

Ramovic will be eager to take things up a notch as Belouizdad look to remain in the hunt for the Confederation Cup crown. They currently top Group C with six points, two ahead of second-placed Stellenbosch.

The Algerian-based side arrive in South Africa in high spirits after beating Stellenbosch 2–0 at home in the previous encounter. That result marked their second win of the group, following one victory and one draw, and handed Stellies their first defeat of the campaign after a win and a draw.

Last week’s clash was a double-edged sword for the two coaches. Ramovic was pleased to defeat a PSL top-flight team, particularly one led by a coach of Hunt’s stature. Stellenbosch, meanwhile, were left disappointed, especially as it was Hunt’s first continental match in charge.

Hunt, a son of the soil who has won four league titles with the now-defunct Bidvest Wits and SuperSport United, had enjoyed a positive start to life at Stellenbosch prior to the Algiers clash, having won his first match in charge against Sekhukhune United in the league.

With his predecessor Steve Barker having built the team into a formidable unit that finished third in the league in back-to-back seasons, many are hoping Stellenbosch can achieve a third consecutive third-place finish under Hunt.

Supporters are also eager for the veteran coach to continue elevating the club’s profile on the continent, particularly after their impressive semi-final run in their maiden Confederation Cup campaign last season.

Stellenbosch are not far from securing progression to the knockout stage. They need to navigate their final three group-stage matches carefully and collect at least four points.

Despite the disappointment of the defeat in Algiers, Hunt remained optimistic that his side will put up a strong fight against Belouizdad at home, especially with new signings Tshegofatso Mabasa, Kobamelo Kodisang and Wayde Jooste all set to be available for selection in the return leg.

The high spirits in the Winelands-based camp send a clear message to Belouizdad about their readiness for the challenge. However, all eyes will be on whether Ramovic still has the edge against South African coaches, and whether the Algerian experience has taken his coaching to another level.