Josef Zinnbauer Resigns At Orlando Pirates

South Africa Premier Soccer League giants Orlando Pirates have parted ways with coach Josef Zinnbauer effective immediately.

The 51-year-old tendered his resignation on Monday following their 2-1 to Swallows FC in their MTN8 quarter-final on Saturday afternoon.

Zinnbauer cited personal reasons for his departure from the Buccaneers hot seat in his address to  the club and its supporters.

“I would like to thank the Chairman 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,” Zinnbauer wrote.

[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]“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.”[/perfectpullquote]

The German gaffer took over the reins at Sea Robbers from Serbian coach Micho Sredojević in December 2019.

He leaves the club with a record of 35 wins, 20 draws and 13 losses in his 68 matches in charge of the Mighty Buccaneers.

Zinnbauer started coaching in 2014 when he joined Hamburg as the reserve team head coach before being elevated as gaffer in-charge of the first team for the 2014/2015 season.

He was then dropped back to reserve team next season following unimpressive performance before being appointed as head coach at Swedish side FC St. Gallen on September 15, 2015 until 2017.