ERRATUM NOTICE
The SABC News retracts and apologises for an article title “Pirates grant coach ‘leave’ following shock resignation announcement” published on Saturday night. The headline was misleading as the coach did not resign. He was granted leave to attend to his son, hospitalized back home in Germany. An amendment was made to the article to correct the error.
Orlando Pirates have granted their coach Josef Zinnbauer “leave to go home to Germany”. This followed an announcement by the coach in a post match interview that he was leaving straight after the match against Kaizer Chiefs, citing personal reasons.
Pirates thrashed Kaizer Chiefs 3-0 in the first leg of the MTN8 quarterfinal match at the Orlando Stadium. But instead of basking in the glory of the emphatic victory, Zinnbauer unexpectedly announced he would be leaving.
“Following the coach’s announcement that he will be leaving straight after the MTN8 semifinal match against Kaizer Chiefs which was played earlier today, Orlandopiratesfc.com can confirm that the Club has granted the head coach leave to go home to Germany,” announced Pirates in a statement.
☠ Zinnbauer Update
? Read the full update ?? https://t.co/xsDo48dfKl
⚫⚪?⭐#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/ziP7ctKlNQ— Orlando Pirates FC (@orlandopirates) October 31, 2020
The club would not go into details of the reasons for the coach’s announcement.
“Unfortunately, out of respect for Mr Zinnbauer and his family we cannot divulge anything more except to say that his son is in hospital,” reads the statement in part.
Pirates, who are expected to travel to Chiefs in the second leg of the MTN8 game next week, say the coach’s departure is not permanent and should be back to continue in his role as the coach “soon.”
☠ Advantage to @orlandopirates in #MTN8 First Leg
? Read the full Match Review ?? https://t.co/yCGQBAM0Qd
⚫⚪?⭐#elKasico #SowetoDerby #Matchday#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/EAtizbeB1B— Orlando Pirates FC (@orlandopirates) October 31, 2020
