Swallows wary of VV-inspired Pirates – coach
ZECA Marques believes the arrival of Vladimir Vermezovic at Orlando Pirates can give the Buccaneers a lift ahead of this evening’s Soweto derby against his own struggling Moroka Swallows.
But the Swallows coach also feels that his side will find extra motivation from playing Pirates, as the Birds seek to get out of a slump that has seen them win just one of their last nine league games.
Vermezovic is set to be on the bench at Dobsonville Stadium, the first time since joining Pirates, and Marques said yesterday that: “A new coach always gives a boost, and the players want to impress him. But from our side we always get a boost when playing Pirates.
“Our players are up to the challenge, and let’s see, it will be an interesting game. I think we need it more than them at this stage.”
That is debatable, given that the Buccaneers are desperate for points if they are to have any chance of challenging for the title, and are coming off a 1-0 loss to the University of Pretoria at the weekend.
But Swallows are certainly in need of points to stave off being dragged into a relegation struggle, seeing as they are just seven points ahead of Free State Stars in 15th spot. “Every point you lose drags you down to the bottom and … you don’t want to be there. The players know their responsibility and have to show character, it has been an emotionally trying time for us,” said Marques.
Waywardness
Swallows have had to endure their share of tragedy in 2014, with assistant coach Dennis Lota passing away at the beginning of February. On the field, Marques feels their main problem has been not taking the chances that have come their way.
This is also Pirates’ well documented problem, a waywardness in front of goal again damaging the Buccaneers against Tuks.
“It has been tough, we have been playing well, but mistakes have cost us, a lack of concentration in certain parts of the game” said Marques. “And we have not been finishing. It does not matter how well you play if you don’t score. If you make mistakes you are going to be punished.
“But I think the last two performances have been solid. Against Celtic (a 1-1 draw at the weekend), we deserved more than a draw, we had so many great chances. That is why there is no justice in football, you don’t get the points for playing well, you get points for hitting the back of the net … maybe the derby will inspire the players (from both teams).”
Pirates, of course, must keep their focus on this game, with another derby, the sell-out clash with Kaizer Chiefs, coming up on Saturday. At times, both Chiefs and Pirates have not performed well just ahead of their much-hyped meetings.
“I certainly hope so (that they are distracted),” said Marques. “Chiefs-Pirates is always the game of the year. So let’s see, although I don’t think it will happen.”
TONIGHT’S FIXTURES Bloemfontein Celtic vs Polokwane City, Kaizer Sebothelo Stadium, 6pm; Moroka Swallows vs Orlando Pirates, Dobsonville Stadium; Golden Arrows vs Black Aces, King Zwelithini Stadium; Platinum Stars vs Kaizer Chiefs; Royal Bafokeng Stadium – all 7.30pm unless otherwise stated.