THE Orlando Pirates coaching seat holds no fear for Vladimir Vermezovic and the Serb mentor insisted yesterday he will not be under pressure to win trophies in the coming season.
Pirates won the Nedbank Cup in May and have an opportunity to pick up where they left off when they host SuperSport United in the quarterfinals of the MTN8 at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.
A confident Vermezovic said the visit by United would be just another day at the office.
“There is no pressure. I don’t know why we are talking about pressure because I have said this a billion times that pressure is for guys who are fighting for their families and their jobs,” the Bucs trainer said.
“For us it is a pleasure to be here. We are part of Orlando Pirates, the biggest club in South African football.”
Vermezovic joined Pirates in mid-season in February without the benefit of pre-season and he now has a better understanding of his surroundings going into the new campaign.
But the Serb conceded that visitors SuperSport could be a tricky proposition.
“Look, this game is very difficult for us. I know that because they are serious opponents. They beat us twice last season in the league. In the MTN8 it was difficult, we won on penalties.
“For sure on Saturday it is going to be a big challenge for our team.
“We know that they lost a couple of players but they signed excellent ones too. I hope our supporters come in numbers because it is our first home game. ”
Vermezovic ran the rule over his players in the Carling Black Label Cup at the weekend and Pirates’ 6-5 win on penalties over Kaizer Chiefs in the pre-season event gave the Serb better insight into their mental strengths.
“I was happy and satisfied by the way my players performed [against Chiefs]. We are somewhere between 85 and 95 percent.
“There is no question about mentality in the team. It is good.”
Pirates coach calm - V V feels ‘no pressure’ for cup clash
THE Orlando Pirates coaching seat holds no fear for Vladimir Vermezovic and the Serb mentor insisted yesterday he will not be under pressure to win trophies in the coming season.
Pirates won the Nedbank Cup in May and have an opportunity to pick up where they left off when they host SuperSport United in the quarterfinals of the MTN8 at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.
A confident Vermezovic said the visit by United would be just another day at the office.
“There is no pressure. I don’t know why we are talking about pressure because I have said this a billion times that pressure is for guys who are fighting for their families and their jobs,” the Bucs trainer said.
“For us it is a pleasure to be here. We are part of Orlando Pirates, the biggest club in South African football.”
Vermezovic joined Pirates in mid-season in February without the benefit of pre-season and he now has a better understanding of his surroundings going into the new campaign.
But the Serb conceded that visitors SuperSport could be a tricky proposition.
“Look, this game is very difficult for us. I know that because they are serious opponents. They beat us twice last season in the league. In the MTN8 it was difficult, we won on penalties.
“For sure on Saturday it is going to be a big challenge for our team.
“We know that they lost a couple of players but they signed excellent ones too. I hope our supporters come in numbers because it is our first home game. ”
Vermezovic ran the rule over his players in the Carling Black Label Cup at the weekend and Pirates’ 6-5 win on penalties over Kaizer Chiefs in the pre-season event gave the Serb better insight into their mental strengths.
“I was happy and satisfied by the way my players performed [against Chiefs]. We are somewhere between 85 and 95 percent.
“There is no question about mentality in the team. It is good.”
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