Orlando Pirates have appointed Josef Zinnbauer as their new head coach, the Soweto club has confirmed.
The 49-year-old Zinnbauer will take over the head coaching position from Rhulani Mokwena, who has been in a caretaker position since Micho Sredojevic was sacked earlier in the season.
In quotes on the Pirates website, it said: “Orlando Pirates Football Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Josef Zinnbauer.
“The 49-year old replaces Micho Sredojevic as Head Coach on a three seasons appointment.”
Zinnbauer is a German mentor and has coached Hamburg in the Bundesliga in the 2014-2015 season.
Pirates chairman Irvin Khoza has welcomed Zinnbauer to the Buccaneers, saying: “It is a fine balancing act that goes beyond the all-important technical skills.
“A coach is tasked to win through others. His ability to keep the team focused, making them work in concert, with minimal lapses is an important requirement.
“I hope that Josef Zinnbauer is able to hit the deck running. I know I am fully representative of all the Orlando Pirates Supporters in wishing him good luck.”
Khoza also confirmed that Mokwena will return to his role as assistant coach alongside Fadlu Davids.
“It is important that we thank Rhulani for the fearless manner in which he stepped up to the plate when the need arose,” Khosa said.
“One of the important lessons leaders learn at the top is about themselves.
“They are called, Knowing what I know now lessons. I have no doubt that Rhulani has learnt a lot of those for his betterment and that of the team.”