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Johannesburg - Orlando Pirates coach Vladimir Vermezovic says his side are drained emotionally and physically following their 1-0 win over Maritzburg United in an Absa Premiership match on Tuesday night.
According to the soccerladuma website, the Buccaneers mentor admits it was a tough game and he is delighted to pick up the three points.
“It was a very difficult game for us,” said Vermezovic.
“Three days ago we played against (Mamelodi) Sundowns and today we were emotionally empty and physically too, and it was very difficult to play.
“Maritzburg is a very good squad with a good coach, but I don’t know why he always likes to talk to me during the game (laughs).
“It is a very important three points for us and now we can breathe.”
The result sees Pirates up to fourth on the league table with 40 points from 25 games, only four points above eighth placed Bloemfontein Celtic.
Vermezovic feels his side are not yet guaranteed a place inside the top eight and will need to win a couple more games to ensure that, and he will only do so with 100 percent fit players.
“We need two or three wins to secure our place in the top eight, and we will go for it,” said the Buccaneers coach.
“It is a crucial period of the championship and we can’t take any risks and we are only going to play with players who are 100 percent ready.
“Now we have to rest and prepare for our game against Bloemfontein Celtic.”
