RFS kicked off their pre-season campaign with an easy 5:2 win over Super Nova.
The Latvian vice-champions quickly took a lead following a goal from the new signing Shina Kumater, but Super Nova managed to equalise just before the break.
In the second half, RFS went on to score four consecutive goals, with Ruslans Deružinskis grabbing a hat-trick and Rasid Njie adding the fifth from a corner. Super Nova managed to grab a late consolation goal as the match ended 5:2.
How did RFS line-up?
There were no signs yet of the first team players, such as Jānis Ikaunieks, Darko Lemajič, and Lasha Odisharia, as they and 10 more players had a training session in a small group ahead of the match.
Both halves were played with different XIs. The first one featured the likes of Herdi Prenga, Mārtiņš Ķigurs, Tayrell Wouter, Facundo Garcia, as well as the new signing Matheus Clemente.
While the first half saw RFS play their favoured 4-2-3-1 formation, the second half saw them operate in a 4-4-2 with Deružinskis and Rostand Ndjiki playing as the striking partnership. On the wings – Victor Promise and Niks Dusalijevs.
How did the new signings do?
Matheus Clemente and Shina Kumater were two of the new faces in the RFS dressing room who started the match. Kumater showed glimpses of quality from minute one and deservedly opened the scoring. The 18-year-old Nigerian who spent the second part of the last season at Daugavpils put in a hard-working performance at left-back both in attack and defense, going strong in tackles and fighting for every piece of possession. He will certainly be one to watch this pre-season as Viktors Morozs will continue his search for Petr Mareš’ successor.
Clemente, who joined as a free agent from Auda, played in a double pivot with Facu Garcia. Together, they formed a decent partnership in the middle, regaining possession and not being afraid of playing higher up the pitch. Clemente’s pressing almost led to him scoring when the Portuguese midfielder robbed his opponent, but his shot from a close distance went wide.
Although there are no official announcements from the club as of now, Victor Promise (ex-Jelgava) and Niks Dusalijevs (ex-Tukums) ran chaos on the wings. While Dusalijevs created chances for his teammates and threatened Super Nova’s goal with shots (even coming close to scoring if it wasn’t for Ndjiki, who blocked his effort, which was heading for the top corner), Promise was not to be stopped on the left side. The Nigerian constantly took on the defenders, some moments even three at the same time. Even though he only grabbed an assist to Deružinskis’ second goal, he came close twice to scoring on his own.
Unlucky Super Nova…
Despite the three-goal margin by which they lost, Super Nova put up a decent fight under their new manager Maksims Rafaļskis. His side could have easily added at least two more goals if it wasn’t for the post, which they managed to hit twice.
Adding to that, the fifth goal they conceded was a pure mistake by the keeper. He took his time too long, and his pass was too late as it bounced off Deružinskis’ feet and flew into his own goal.
Have RFS found their new Jatta?
Last week, RFS announced that they’ve parted ways with Alfusainey Jatta. The former Gambia international was on a rise for both club and country back in 2022, also playing a big role in RFS’ historic qualification for the Conference League group stages. Unfortunately, at the start of 2023, he suffered a massive injury that has left him out ever since. He tried to return, but it resulted in more setbacks. After three seasons without football, he left RFS at the end of the last year.
However, RFS could have just found his successor. Currently on trial, Papa Omar Gningue started alongside Herdi Prenga and showed similar characteristics to Jatta. Tall, physical, strong, calm under pressure – Papa showed great signs, combining great with not only Prenga, but also Kumater. Let’s see if he can keep this up and if the RFS board decides to give him a chance.
What next for RFS?
Saturday, January 17: Nomme Kalju (away), friendly, 3pm EET
