Uncertainty Still Surrounds Zinnbauer's Return to Orlando Pirates

- Uncertainty still surrounds the return of Orlando Pirates head coach, Josef Zinnbauer

- Zinnbauer reportedly got on a flight back to Germany due to a family crisis, this was after Pirates' defeat over Kaizer Chiefs

- Assistant coach Fadlu Davids has taken over Zinnbauer's place in his absence and will lead the Buccaneers in their next game

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There is still uncertainty surrounding the return of Orlando Pirates' head coach Josef Zinnbauer. Zinnbauer hastily jumped on a flight back to Germany due to the fact that his son was hospitalised.

Floyd Mbele, Orlando Pirates administrative manager, confirmed that the club has been aware of Zinnbauer's family crisis for over a week but there was still uncertainty. Mbele added that Zinnbauer's return rests solely on him honouring his contract.

In the meantime, assistant coach Fadlu Davids has been leading the Buccaneers. Davids will take charge of the team when they go up against Bloemfontein Celtic tomorrow night.

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According to The South African, Mbele said in an interview that they were leaving everything to Zinnbauer as it is a sensitive matter. Mbele added that they are expecting Zinnbauer to return but there is no set time frame.

Times Live reported that although Pirates did not divulge much information on the matter, they did say that Zinnbauer would be home "soon."

Social media has been abuzz this morning with reports from a German publication stating that Zinnbauer's son was in a coma following a horrific crash. This news has yet to be confirmed by Pirates.

Earlier, Briefly.co.za reported that Zinnbauer had left Pirates after an emphatic win. This was after Orlando Pirates beat Soweto rivals Kaizer Chiefs 3-0 in the MTN8 first leg semi-final. Celebrations were unfortunately short-lived as shortly afterwards, the club reported that their coach Josef Zinnbauer would be returning to Germany.

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The Soweto club said in a statement that they had granted Zinnbauer leave to go home as his son had been admitted to hospital.

There was speculation that the head coach had actually resigned from his position but Pirates dismissed these claims after releasing their statement. A few fans expressed their concerns after the statement had been released, with some showing that they did not even read the statement properly.

@Karabo_Rithuri1 said:

"If you’ve been following this club you’d know that’s how coaches leave. Micho went to attend to his sick mother and never came back but carry on telling people who know this cycle to 'read'."

@JerryvanLamola wrote:

I just want to see a picture of things he left behind just to confirm it is leave. My team disappointed me many times."

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