Kaizer Chiefs head coach Ernst Middendorp says he is pleased to see German compatriot Josef Zinnbauer in charge at Orlando Pirates.
Zinnbauer was confirmed as the new Buccaneers head coach last week, replacing Rhulani Mokwena, and has penned a three-year contract with the Soweto giants.
Middendorp says it’s nice to see a fellow German coach in charge at Pirates but doesn’t feel it really matters as football has become such a global game.
“It’s nice but we are global players as coaches, it doesn’t matter if you are South African or German, Zambian or Zimbabwean,” said Middendorp, as quoted by Sowetan Live.
“We are coaches in the PSL who are global players. It will happen that coaches from SA will coach in other countries and leagues worldwide.
“I know him by name. You must understand that he is 20 years younger, meaning he came into football when I had left German already.
“Give him a very clear chance and opportunity to manage the team adequately and that’s it. I wish him all the best.”
The next Soweto derby will take place on 29 February at Orlando Stadium, where Middendorp and Zinnbauer will battle it out for the first time.