‘Phakama Ncikazi’ sing Pirates fans after Zinnbauer quits
The German mentor had been under pressure with the team not doing well in the past season, Swallows beating was final nail
By OkaDonga Gumbi
Orlando Pirates supporters have taken to social media to express their joy at the resignation of the team’s coach, Josef Zinnbauer.
The German mentor’s resignation from Pirates was announced by the club on Monday afternoon. This was just two days after the club was beaten by Swallows FC in an MTN8 quarter-final on Saturday.
A number of the Buccaneers supporters, known as the Ghost had been calling for his dismissal since the defeat.
This defeat meant they cannot defend the title they won last season. What was more disappointing about Pirates’ loss was the way the team couldn’t string together a few passes.
Pirates have by far the most fancied squad and should be challenging for trophies but they have been an average team.
Zinnbauer cited being away from his family for too long as a reason for his sudden resignation. It will be remembered that Zinnbauer’s son was involved in a car accident and was in a coma for a while in 2019.
It was expected at the time that he would resign and go and be with his family. He thanked the Buccaneers for the opportunity.
“I would like to thank the chairman (Irvin Khoza) and management for the opportunity they have given me.
“Unfortunately, my time at the club has come to an end. I have enjoyed my time here and would also like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the supporters.
ALSO READ: TV and Radio industry in shock at Msizi Nkosi’s death in a car accident
“I have spent the last two years away from my family and for this reason, I have decided to hand in my resignation.
“I would like to wish the club and its supporters all the best for the future,” Zinnbauer was quoted as saying in a statement released by Pirates.
The club is expected to install Mandla Ncikazi and Fadlu Davids as co-coaches in the interim. The supporters have taken to Twitter to say “Phakama Ncikazi” which means it is time for him to stand up.
Ncikazi did a sterling job with Golden Arrows last season and was then recruited to the Pirates technical team.
At the time impempe.com reported that he would be followed by Steve Komphela who would then be a head coach with Ncikazi his assistant.
But it has since emerged that it is difficult to get Komphela. He has a binding contract with Mamelodi Sundowns.
Any team who wants him would have to pay around R24-million to trigger his release clause.
