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VV: I wasn't forced out

Cape Town - Vladimir Vermezovic insists he was not forced out of Orlando Pirates in any way, stating his exit from the Soweto giants was entirely his own decision.

Read: Yeye relishing derby day

The Serbian tactician announced his departure from the Buccaneers on Wednesday, less than 24 hours after the 2-1 Premiership defeat to Maritzburg United - a result which left the side 15 points behind leaders Kaizer Chiefs after just 12 league matches.

Vermezovic came under heavy abuse from the club's fans following the full-time whistle in midweek, and it had been reported that reaction spurred Pirates into dismissing the coach.

However, the former Amakhosi tactician insists that was not the case, saying: "No, the fans did not push me out, it was my decision.

"The chairman (Irvin Khoza) explained what was going on. There was absolutely no pressure from the side of Orlando Pirates either.

"There were a lot of small things that became big problems. The final straw was this game against Maritzburg United.

"After that I decided to resign."

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