South African side Orlando Pirates on Tuesday announced the appointment of German Josef Zinnbauer as its new head coach on a three-year contract.
Zinnbauer replaces Serbian Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic who suddenly quit his position at the start of the season.
Micho went on to join Egyptian giants Zamalek in August but was sacked a week ago following a poor run of results which included a 3-0 defeat to TP Mazembe in the CAF Champions League.
Zinnbauer, who expressed joy at his appointment to lead what he called “one of the prestigious clubs” in Africa, said his aim was to return the club to winning ways.
“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,” club chairman Irvin Khoza said.
The club further announced that assistant coach Rhulani Mokwena will continue as interim coach until Zinnbauer’s work permit is granted. Mokwena will, thereafter, resume his position alongside Fadlu Davids.
“It is important that we thank Rhulani for the fearless manner in which he stepped up to the plate when the need arose. 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 Rhulani has learnt a lot of those for his betterment and that of the team,” Khoza added.
Orlando Pirates currently lies 6th in the Premier Soccer League (PSL), the highest division of South African football, 17 points behind league leaders Kaizer Chiefs.
The Pirates’ next league match is against Black Leopards at the Orlando Stadium on December 21.
Orlando Pirates have won the PSL four times and were crowned winners of the CAF Champions League in 1995.
