Pirates' Boss Zinnbauer Wary of Chiefs' Quality in Soweto Derby on Sunday
- Ahead of the clash against Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates coach Josef Zinnbauer remains wary of their rivals
- The German manager has also praised his counterpart, Gavin Hunt's experience in winning titles
- Zinnbauer will be gunning for his fourth straight win against Amakhosi in all competitions this season
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Despite enjoying the favourites tag ahead of their 100th Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs on Sunday afternoon, Orlando Pirates coach Josef Zinnbauer expects a more different opponent.
The German manager says Amakhosi is a big club and his counterpart, Gavin Hunt, is experienced and aware of what must be done to turn things around at Naturena.
Pirates are yet to lose to the Glamour Boys this term with the two arch-rivals having met on three occasions across all competitions and the Buccaneers have claimed victories.
Source: Twitter
Taking a glimpse at the Chiefs camp, they are set to miss key players in the likes of midfielder Lebogang Manyama, who is suspended, whilst forwards Leonardo Castro and Khama Billiat are nursing injuries.
On the other hand, veteran goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune is sidelined due to coronavirus pandemic protocols.
Zinnbauer told the reporters in a press conference:
"We are playing against a big club, with what we know are quality players and a quality coach.
"He knows exactly what's happened in the Derby and what's happened in the league, what he can do fighting for titles also, he has a lot of experience and he knows exactly what he has to say to the players.
"We know they have struggled a little bit in the league but you see also in the Champions League how they come closer to the points and get more points, and also in the league.
"Now it's a signal that they are coming better in the games, so for us is just to go through quick recovery from Wednesday's game and continue with the same performance on Sunday."
With the current MTN8 holders having gone 10 matches without suffering a defeat, the same cannot be said for Chiefs, who are winless out of 11 games in all competitions.
Briefly.co.za recently reported the 50-year-old explained his reasons behind the team's recent constant shuffling. According to the 1995 African champions manager, a high number of games coupled with an equally high number of injuries meant he has little choice.
Moreover, as Pirates sit third on the DStv Premiership log table with 35 points from 20 games, and the coach will hope to guide his men to another win over their nemesis.
Looking at Chiefs, the four-time PSL winner, Hunt, and his men are out to rescue their dignity as far as the derby is concerned as they languish at number 11 with 20 points after playing 18 matches so far.
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Source: Briefly News
