Orlando Pirates have shed more light on the departure of coach Josef Zinnbauer, who is expected back at the club soon.
Moments before kick-off in the Soweto derby clash against Kaizer Chiefs, the German mentor announced that he would be heading back home soon after the match.
Why Josef Zinnbauer left SA
He told Supersport TV that a family emergency prompted his departure.
“Before I come to the game, I have to say thank you to the chairman (Dr Irvin Khoza),” he told said before the game. “I have an emergency in my family and thank you I can go home after the game to my family.”
Josef ZInnbauer, Orlando Pirates coach
According to the club, Zinnbauer had to return home after his son was hospitalised.
“Unfortunately, out of respect for Mr Zinnbauer and his family we cannot divulge anything more except to say that his son is in hospital,” Orlando Pirates said in an official statement. “The coach has requested for his family’s privacy to be respected during this difficult time. He will be back soon.”
Orlando Pirates
Next up for Orlando Pirates
Despite what would have been an emotional day, Zinnbauer managed to guide Pirates to an emphatic 3-0 victory over their bitter rivals. Following the match, he dedicated the win to his son.
His departure means he is likely to be missing from the dugout when the Buccaneers travel to face Bloemfontein Celtic at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium on Wednesday night, with assistant coach Fadlu Davids expected to take over the reins.
Pirates are still without a victory in the league this season, having registered one-all draws against AmaZulu and Stellenbosch in their first two fixtures.
The match against Celtic kicks off at 19:00 and will be broadcast live on the Supersport Premier Soccer League channel (202).
