Josef Zinnbauer (Gallo Images)
- Orlando Pirates coach Josef Zinnbauer is aware that expectations are always high at big PSL clubs.
- The Buccaneers have already signed six players despite the transfer window only closing 17 November.
- Pirates start their season off with an MTN8 quarter final clash against Cape Town City on Saturday.
Orlando Pirates head coach Josef Zinnbauer is not allowing expectations to distract him from getting his players mentally and physically prepared for the upcoming 2020/21 season.
“When you work at a club like Orlando Pirates, Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs or one of the other (big) clubs in the league than it is normal to expect a title but that’s football,” Zinnbauer told the media on Wednesday.
“We have other teams in the league, they’re also fighting for titles.”
The Buccaneers have only been in pre-season camp for about three weeks and are preparing to take on Cape Town City in the MTN8 quarter finals as the Premier Soccer League (PSL) starts this coming weekend.
The German-coach has fared well since arriving at the Soweto giants in December last year after taking over Rulani Mokwena.
And ending in third place last campaign ensured that the Sea Robbers are back playing in Africa.
Pirates will represent the PSL and South Africa alongside Bloemfontein Celtic in the upcoming CAF Confederations Cup which starts next month.
With that being the case, Pirates have strengthened their squad with new players before the close of the transfer window on 17 November.
Pirates have secured the signings of four former Bidvest Wits players: Thulani Hlatswhayo, Deon Hotto, Terrence Dzvukamanja and Thabang Monare.
The club are also in talks with Maritzburg United goalkeeper Richard Ofori and recently signed Wayde Jooste from Highlands Park and Collins Makgaka from Baroka FC.
Despite the coronavirus affecting the regular schedule for football around the world, Zinnbauer is looking at the positive side of things.
He believes before even thinking about winning titles, a lot needs to be in place, particularly the right system.
“This was not a (normal) pre-season. Yes, that is a problem for the coach, but we cannot change these things. We go this way,” he said.
“We accept this, and it is better than sitting at home and doing Zoom sessions. We can work now. And if it’s three weeks, then okay, we plan a three weeks pre-season. It’s not long, it’s short and we cannot change it.
“Now we have to improve the system that we want in this league and when we get the system and find the structure… then we have a chance to fight for a title.”
Zinnbauer added: “In terms of CAF and other cups that we have. Yes, we have to win all if possible. When you have a chance, you can win the league, then you have to do this. When you have a chance to win the cup then you have to do this. When you can win a CAF then you have to do this. But then you have to work and that is the focus that we need.
“You cannot say we (won) six, seven games in a row then we go back to (our) casual ways. It’s not possible in the season. We have to fight all games 100% and that is the point in what we have to do on all days that we play. When we do this, we have a big chance to win the games and when we win the games, we can win titles.”
The Buccaneers host City on Saturday at Orlando Stadium in Soweto.
Kick-off is at 18:00.
