Premiership title contenders Kaizer Chiefs have parted ways with head coach Vladimir Vermezovic, with 7 league games left in the season

KAIZER Chiefs have fired coach Vladimir Vermezovic.

This follows a meeting between the Serbian and club chairman Kaizer Motaung, who was accompanied by his son and team manager Bobby Motaung.

In statement released by the club on its website read: “At a meeting held today, 12 April 2012, at the Kaizer Chiefs Village, with the Executive Chairman, a member of the Board, the Football Manager, the Coach Vladimir Vermezovic and his Agent regarding the Coach’s future with the Club, it was agreed to part ways with immediate effect, in order to allow both parties to prepare for the new season in good time.

“The Club thanks the Coach for his services during his tenure at Kaizer Chiefs for the last three seasons and wishes him all the best for his future endeavours.

“For the remainder of the 2011/2012 Season, [former assistant coach] Ace Khuse will be in charge of the team, assisted by Doctor Khumalo, Arthur Zwane and the rest of the technical team,” added the statement.

Chiefs are lying fourth in the Premiership, six points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.

The Soweto giants face Free State Stars in the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals in Polokwane on Saturday.

The Sowetan Sports Desk reported this morning that it has been a season to forget so far for the Chiefs management, supporters, players and the coach. Only once have Chiefs finished a season without a trophy: in 2002 under Ernst Middendorp. That year they also ended their campaign in ninth spot in the Premier League - their worst ever finish since the start of the PSL in 1996.

There are said to be discussions between Vermezovic and former Premier League champions Supersport United, who could give current coach Gavin Hunt the sack at the end of the season.

Asked about his plans for next season, Vermezovic said it was in the hands of his agent, but he "would like to stay in South Africa".

For a full story of the departure of the man who is also known as VV in local soccer circles, buy a copy of your favourite newspaper - The Sowetan - tomorrow.

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