FORMER Black Leopards coach Vladislav Heric joined National First Division Coastal Stream side African Warriors yesterday, replacing Ashwin Sutton.

Warriors' boss Jabu Khumalo confirmed yesterday that Serbian Heric has joined them on a one-and-a-half-season contract.

"We decided to bring in the new coach after Ashwin Sutton failed to achieve the goals we set him at the beginning of the season. Both parties agreed to terminate the contract (yesterday).

"We are confident that with Heric's experience in the NFD we will do better."

He said Heric will be assisted by Sam Banda. Khumalo also said that they were waiting for the work permit of Zambian striker Jimmy Zakazaka.

Heric said he will do his level best to ensure that Warriors qualify for the national playoffs at the end of the season.

"They have a good team that needs tactics and strategies to be consistent. I am ready to help the team regroup," said the wily Heric, who also coached Bay United.

Sutton, who was relieved of his duties with his assistant Hewitt Classen, said: "Life will go on after Warriors as I have other offers from other club in the NFD."

Sutton is the fourth NFD coach to be fired this season, after Phillip Mbofana was given the boot by Dynamos and Zoran Pesic and David Vilakazi were expelled by struggling Batau FC.