By Marc Strydom, TimesLIVE
Gabadinho’s Orlando Pirates have appointed a new head coach‚ 49-year-old German Josef Zinnbauer.
Pirates made the announcement on their official website, saying their current caretaker-coach Rulani Mokwena will continue in that capacity until Zinnbauer’s work permit is concluded.
“The 49-year old replaces [Milutin] ‘Micho’ Sredojević as head coach on a three seasons appointment.”
Pirates’ chairman Irvin Khoza was quoted as saying: “It is a fine balancing act that goes beyond the all-important technical skills. A coach is tasked to win through others.
“His ability to keep the team focused‚ making them work in concert‚ with minimal lapses‚ is an important requirement.
“I hope that Josef Zinnbauer is able to hit the deck running. I know I am fully representative of all the Orlando Pirates Supporters in wishing him good luck.”
On Mokwena, Khoza said: “It is important that we thank Rulani for the fearless manner in which he stepped up to the plate when the need arose.
Mokwena still is caretaker coach till Zinnbauer
completes work permit
“One of the important lessons leaders learn at the top is about themselves. They are called‚ ‘Knowing what I know now’ lessons.
“I have no doubt that Rulani has learned a lot of those for his betterment and that of the team.”
Zinnbauer expresses his gratitude at the opportunity joining a club of Pirates’ stature.
“I welcome the opportunity to lead one of the prestigious clubs on the African continent.
Pirates’ chairman Irvin Khoza
“I hope under my lead‚ we are able to return the club to its winning ways‚” he said.
Zinnbauer last coached St Gallen in Switzerland’s Super League from 2015 to 2017.
The Serbian mentor Micho Sredojevic left Orlando Pirates abruptly at the beginning of the season, leaving his assistant Mokwena to take over.
That move resulted in Pirates starting the season poorly, and many fans were upset Micho left under false pretences when he stated he had to go back home to Serbia for personal reasons.
Former Pirates coach Micho Sredojević
Not long after flying from South Africa, he went to Zamalek and signed for the Egyptian club.
Despite winning the Egyptian Cup, Sredojevic came under intense pressure with recent results including a 3-0 thrashing by TP Mazembe in a CAF Champions League group stage fixture.
Now, Pirates fans were counting their losses and hoping Micho could return to their club, only now for Khoza to opt for Zinnbauer.