Goals the main aim, says coach
Erasmus’s lack of form apparently excused for now
ORLANDO Pirates coach Vladimir Vermezovic gave a different spin to Kermit Erasmus’s lack of goals after the club’s 2-0 win against Bidvest Wits in the MTN8 first leg semifinal at the weekend.
The Serbian is happy to see his team sharing the scoring responsibility to save their blushes, with defenders Siyabonga Sangweni and Thabo Matlaba having rescued what was mostly a dull affair in Milpark on Sunday afternoon with well-taken strikes.
At this early stage of the season, Vermezovic says he is not too bothered where the goals come from, but the coach will soon hold Erasmus accountable.
The striker has found the net just once in four matches for the Buccaneers.
“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,” Vermezovic said.
“Last time our defenders
‘ We won’t be relaxed in the return leg because we realise 2-0 is a dangerous scoreline
weren’t so good in dealing with set-pieces, but this time around we got something back in set-pieces. There are a lot of games still to come and we know there’s room for improvement. 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 for sure, 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 fin- ishing touch has let him down. The coach has not lashed out as yet, saying Pirates players are finally listening to his instructions.
“The battle is on the field,” Vermezovic said. “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. There’s a lot of experience in this squad, thanks to a lot of cup finals last season. They know how to maintain the rhythm and how to change the pace.”
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 at Orlando Stadium.
“The Wits team has a lot of quality. We won’t be relaxed in the return leg because we realise 2-0 is a dangerous scoreline. “
Pirates are still searching for their first victory in the league after a defeat and a draw. Meanwhile, Wits coach Gavin Hunt could barely put his thoughts together minutes after stumbling to a loss.
“We got beaten and it’s disappointing. We will try to go again on Saturday,” he said.