Pirates’ owner Khoza was locked in a meeting with Vermezovic and his players on Tuesday, apparently to discuss the club’s below-par performances following defeats to Kaizer Chiefs and Chippa United recently, but the Serbian coach said it was nothing serious.
“The chairman didn’t reassure me that my job is safe because I did not ask him to reassure me. I am more than competitive, and I know they brought me here for my philosophy. There was a technical meeting and a non-technical meeting, nothing unusual. It was not an emergency (meeting),” said Vermezovic.
The coach said he had addressed the team’s problems, mainly in defence, and is ready to have another go at winning silverware as the Buccaneers begin their Telkom Knockout campaign against Polokwane City at Orlando Stadium on Sunday (3pm). Vermezovic won the competition twice with his former club Chiefs and is itching to get his hands on the trophy again to make up for the MTN8 final defeat to Chiefs.
“It’s an important game against Polokwane City. Cup games are totally different to league games. Anything is possible and we will try to make sure that we are not surprised by our opponents.”
Pirate’s midfielder Thandani Ntshumayelo, meanwhile, admitted they are missing the leadership of veteran defender Lucky Lekgwathi, who is out nursing an injury. Without Lekgwathi, Pirates have looked disjointed at times in defence, lacking the leadership and guidance of the vocal 38-year-old.
“We need Lucky in the team. We have a lot of respect for him on the pitch. He has the experience. If Lucky is there, then we know that he will make a difference.”
Complete Telkom Fixtures:
Friday 3, Wits v Swallows- Bidvest Stadium (8pm)
Sat 4, SuperSport v FS Stars- Lucas Moripe Stadium (3pm)
Platinum Stars v Chippa United, Royal Bafokeng (3pm)
Downs’ v Tukkies, Loftus Stadium (3pm)
Chiefs v Maritzburg U, FNB Stadium (8:15)
AmaZulu v Celtic, Princess Magogo Stadium, (8:15)
Sunday, 05 Pirates v Polokwane City, Orlando Stadium, (3pm)
Ajax v Aces, Cape Town Stadium (3pm)
