Kaizer Chiefs have given their Serbian born coach Vladimir Vermezovic, a big vote of confidence.
With six Absa Premiership matches remaining until the league season ends on February 28, Chiefs are happy with what Vermezovic has achieved in his first season in charge and are ready to sit down and make long term plans with him.
Amakhosi team manager Bobby Motaung, said on Tuesday the club were pleased with the progress made by the former Yugoslav defender since he arrived at the start of the season, and would be sitting down to formulate long term plans at the end of the season.
Said Motaung: “Chiefs have a history of being patient with coaches and that applies to Vermezovic.
“It was not easy for Vermezovic to adapt to new conditions in South Africa, but he has done well and we are more than satisfied with his contribution.
“We knew when we hired him it would take time before he was familiar and comfortable with not just playing conditions and the culture of local players in the PSL, but with living in a new environment.
“It was tough for him in the beginning, but he has adapted well. There are huge differences from what he left in Serbia to what he enjoys now.
“Our partnership is bearing fruit and we look forward to a long-term relationship with the coach.”
Motaung said Chiefs’ management would be sitting down with Vermezovic at the end of the season with a view to strengthening the team with new players and a major assault on the Premiership title next season.
“Chiefs are celebrating their 40th birthday in 2010 so we want to make sure we have something to celebrate.
“One things is certain, we will finish the season at the end of February with a bang.”
Motaung said winning the Premiership would be a bonus as the title was still up for grabs. Amakhosi have 41 points — six behind leaders and defending champions SuperSport United and three adrift of second placed Mamelodi Sundowns, who have a match in hand.
Said Motaung: “It is still anybody’s race and to me it is still wide open.
“In soccer anything is possible and we have not written off our chances of a late run that could see us pip SuperSport and Sundowns in the final run in.
“Look what happened in the African Nations Cup in Angola when the host nation led Mali 4-0 only to see Mali snatch a 4-4 draw. We are determined to make the last six games count.”
But he added: “Right now our focus is on facing Moroka Swallows when the league resumes on February 3.” — Sapa