VV 'not under any pressure' to win trophies

Orlando Pirates coach Vladimir Vermezovic insisted yesterday that he was not under pressure to win trophies in the new Absa Premiership season.

The Buccaneers won the Nedbank Cup in May and have the opportunity to pick up where they left off when they host Supersport United in the quarterfinals of the MTN8 at Orlando Stadium on Saturday. Though the start of any season invariably comes with new demands from supporters and club bosses, Vermezovic said the visit by United would be just another day in the office.

''I don't know why we are talking about pressure because I have said this a billion times that pressure is for guys who are fighting for their families and their jobs," the coach said.

''For us it is a pleasure to be here. We are part of Orlando Pirates, the biggest club in South African football. There are other cups and the league to win."

Vermezovic joined Pirates mid-season in February without the benefit of pre-season and he now has a better understanding of his surroundings going into the new Premier League campaign.

But the Serb conceded that the visitors could be a tricky proposition, and he's seen enough of coach Cavin Johnson's charges to know that Pirates have to tread carefully at Orlando Stadium.