Kaizer Chiefs sack Vermezovic

Vladimir Vermezovic

The coaching musical chairs in the Premier Soccer League continues. South African giants Kaizer Chiefs have parted ways with their Serbian coach Vladimir Vermezovic.

The development was announced by the club through a statement on their website today.

The termination of the contract is with immediate effect and follows a meeting held on Thursday morning between club chairman Kaizer Motaung, Vermezovic, Chiefs football manager Bobby Motaung, and the Serbian trainer’s agent. 

Although Vermezovic has been under pressure all season, the timing of the sacking is still somewhat surprising considering Chiefs are currently third in the PSL table, six points behind joint leaders Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates – but with a game in hand.

Sundowns and Pirates are top with 46 points, but have played 24 games. Chiefs have 40 points after 23 matches.

“It was agreed to part ways with immediate effect, in order to allow both parties to prepare for the new season in good time,” Chiefs said in their statement. “The Club thanks the coach for his services during his tenure at Kaizer Chiefs for the last three seasons and wishes him all the best for his future endeavours.”

Chiefs will not be appointing a permanent replacement until the end of the season. Assistant coach Donald “Ace” Khuse will take charge of Amakhosi until’s season’s end and he will be assisted by Doctor Khumalo and Arthur Zwane.

Yesterday Vermezovic had been coy on his Chiefs future at a press conference at Naturena.

 

Speculation had been rife that this was Vermezovic’s last season at Chiefs after a season filled with rumours of player unrest at Naturena. 

“My contract is expiring in June and everything is in the hands of my agent,” Vermezovic said.

“Kaizer Chiefs are a serious club, and I have information from my friends that different newspapers have information on other coaches,” Vermezovic added. “I can’t take it personally, I am a professional. I have a contract with the club, and I will fight until the end. It is normal that Chiefs want to interview different coaches; they can’t wait until the last day.”

“I want to win the league and cup and after that we’ll see.” 

But it seems Vermezovic’s time has been cut short before time. If the Serbian is to stay is South Africa it won’t be at Naturena…

Happier times... Vermezovic and Bobby Motaung

“I want to stay in South Africa because it is nice,” Vermezovic said yesterday. “I learnt to play golf and they have a lot of golf courses.”