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Vermezovic to persist with Erasmus

HAPPIER: Orlando Pirates coach Vladimir Vermezovic PHOTO: Veli Nhlapo
HAPPIER: Orlando Pirates coach Vladimir Vermezovic PHOTO: Veli Nhlapo

ORLANDO Pirates coach Vladimir Vermezovic put a different spin on Kermit Erasmus's lack of goals after the club's 2-0 win against Bidvest Wits in the first leg of the MTN8 semifinal at the weekend.

The Serbian is happy to see his team sharing the scoring responsibility, with defenders Siyabonga Sangweni and Thabo Matlaba rescuing Bucs at Milpark on Sunday with well-taken strikes.

At this early stage of the season, Vermezovic says he isn't too bothered where the goals come from, but he will soon hold Erasmus - who has scored just once in four appearances this season - accountable.

"I've said a couple of times that it doesn't matter how many strikers start the game, what matters is how many players finish our action. Our first goal was scored from a set-piece after we had conceded from one in our previous game," said Vermezovic.

"Last time our defenders weren't so good in dealing with set-pieces, but after a win was taken away from us, this time around we got something back in set-pieces.

"It's only the beginning of the season and there are a lot of games in front of us. We expect a lot of ups and downs, but we are on the right track."

Erasmus, who has kept Helder Pelembe, Lehlohonolo Majoro and Lennox Bacela out of the team, has looked good on the ball and in build-ups. However, his finishing has let him down.

"The battle is on the field," said Vermezovic. "As coaches we can prepare the strategy and tactical approach, but everything else is up to the players. fortunately they made something from what we told them."

Vermezovic did not get ahead of himself with an Absa Premiership clash against AmaZulu to come tomorrow and the second leg of the MTN8 semifinal against Wits on Saturday night.

"The Wits team has a lot of quality, for sure. We won't be relaxed in the return leg because we realise 2-0 is a dangerous scoreline. So I wouldn't say we are favourites," said the coach.

Wits coach Gavin Hunt could barely put his thoughts together after the defeat .

"We got beaten and it's disappointing. We will try to go again on Saturday," he said.

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