Vermezovic - I will help Pirates to win Nedbank Cup

Orlando Pirates coach Vladimir Vermezovic was very happy with the positive outcome of the game against Mamelodi Sundowns. Pirates knocked out Sundowns 2-1 through Oupa Manyisa and Daine Klate goals. Elias Pelembe scored a consolation goal for Sundowns. Vermezovic admitted that he won against the quality team.

“Congratulations to Pitso Mosimane for a great performance. Pirates gave supporters an excellent game but results could have been different but credits should be given to Senzo Meyiwa and defence. It was very tough when Alje Schut pushed forward to add an aerial ability in the box towards the end of the game but the defence stood preventing him to score. Sundowns have quality squad and it is difficult to play against them due to rotation in the field. Sundowns have quality players who can score long range goals.”

Vermezovic revealed his tactical plan which made difference. His main tactical plan was to close down from the back to prevent build up from the back. The coach was very happy that Helder Pelembe and Lennox Bacela played according to the tactical instruction by preventing Sundowns to build from the back.

Pelembe and Bacela tried their utmost best. They prevented Sundowns to build from the back.  It was my tactical idea to close Sundowns down and prevent them from building from the back which worked well but after scoring the second goal we changed our tactics to 4-2-3-1 to add more strength in the wing play and also in the midfield but we struggle with aerial balls as Schut is very dangerous but we won second ball to prevent Sundowns players shorting from the range.

Vermezovic promised more changes in the team to avoid further fatigue in the team. Vermezovic will introduce more fresh legs against Maritzburg United this Tuesday. He is worried that players over played this season without any proper pre-season training.

“I made 9 chances against SuperSport United and against Sundowns I made 5 changes. Many of my key players are from long term injuries due to achilles tendon and knees suffered by Klate, Siyabonga Sangweni, Rooi Mahamutsa, Patrick Phungwayo and Happy Jele but our biggest problem is mental fatigue with players playing more than 60 days without rest.  I am going to make changes in our Tuesday game against Maritzburg United. We need fresh legs but it is difficult now to get fresh legs.”

By Owen Mundalamo