Vermezovic - Pirates need 2/3 wins to secure top 8 spot

Orlando Pirates coach Vladimir Vermezovic was pleased with his boys’ commitment and fighting spirit against tactical organised Maritzburg United. Helder Pelembe scored Pirates’ solitary goal towards the end of the game.

The victory against United moved Pirates to the 4th spot in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) log with 4 points clear from the 8th spot Bloemfontein Celtic.  Pirates hasn’t yet secured top 8 spot as teams behind have a chance to topple them from the top 4.

Vermezovic confessed that despite a win, Maritzburg United played very well with solid defence but his players were tired emotional and physical after an intensive Nedbank Cup game against Mamelodi Sundowns.

“It was a difficult game for us, you know 3 days ago we played against Sundowns, my players were emotional and physical empty against United. It was very difficult to play United with very good squad and coach.  It is very important 3 points for us. We can breathe and wait for Monday’s game against Bloemfontein Celtic. We need 2 to 3 wins to secure our place in the top 8. We will go for it.”

Vermezovic promised that he won’t take further risk by playing fringe players at the crunch time of the league but he will test some of his players in the friendly games for possible consideration during the league game.

“Some of my players did not play in the long time and now is crunch period of the championship and we can’t take any further risk. We going to play with 100%, ready to play players but in the meantime, we will play some friendly games to see if some of them can catch a form and play in a serious game, but now they have to rest and thereafter, prepare for a game against Bloemfontein Celtic on Monday.”

Vermezovic was shocked by Steve Komphela’s mind games directed towards Pirates bench. Komphela was seen talking with Tebogo Moloi and Vermezovic most of the time during the game. Komphela promised Moloi a war of game in the Nedbank Cup semi-finals in Maritzburg.

“Steve is a good coach but I don’t know why he always likes to talk to me during the game.”

By Owen Mundalamo