Former TS Galaxy head coach Sead Ramovic says the rise of Samukele Kabini is like winning a trophy, reflecting on his move to Europe and recent senior international debut.
Kabini, 21, joined Galaxy as a free agent from Orlando Pirates’ DStv Diski Challenge squad back in July 2023 under then-coach Ramovic who then entrusted the promising player with the spot in the senior team as a left-back and left centre back.
He developed into an ever-present figure in the Rockets starting XI and eventually it earned widespread interest in his services, but Molde won the race, securing him in a R15-million transfer, a record sale for the club.
Kabini has since featured eight times for the Norweigan club, with a goal and two assists to his name this season so far, before Hugo Broos handed him his senior international debut in their 2-0 win over Mozambique two weeks ago.
“Kabini’s success is no coincidence. It’s the result of belief, hard work, and the right environment,” he said about Kabini, the newly capped Bafana Bafana left-back.
“We took a player from the reserves, gave him a clear identity on the pitch, developed his decision-making, and pushed him every day.
“I’m proud that he trusted the process, and even prouder that it led him to Europe. But he’s just one of many. We helped also players like Mike [Sebelebele] and Puso [Dithejane] – and 12 others to improve and to move to some of the best clubs in South Africa.
“Five of them earned national team call-ups. That doesn’t happen by luck – it’s a product of our system, our standards, and our daily work on the training ground.
“One of my former coaches, now at Barcelona, told me: “When you improve a player’s career, it’s like lifting a trophy.” I live by that. And looking back, I know we lifted many.”
Kabini will be aiming to stamp his authority at Molde and retain his place in the national team ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco in December.
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