Bucs coach warns youngsters to stay grounded

Orlando Pirates coach Josef Zinnbauer has warned two of his young players, Azola Tshobeni and Bongani Sam (right), not to become big-headed after the pair played a vital role in the club’s 1-0 victory over Maritzburg United at the Harry Gwala Stadium last weekend.

Debutant Tshobeni, who is 18-years-old, started in midfield for the Buccaneers, and 23-yearold Sam was at left wing-back.

While Sam has been with Pirates for some time, Zinnbauer said this was the first time since his coaching tenure started at Bucs that Sam was available to play for the entire game.

The pair put in a very good shift and chances are they could be in the starting line-up when Pirates host TS Galaxy at the Orlando Stadium today.

“We played with two young players, Azola and Sam had a top game. But it’s important that they both come down (to earth), they don’t take a high flight (become big headed)…then we will see what happens in the next game,” said the Pirates coach.

“We have said it before, we expect all players to give us a good performance. What we need (as coaches) is a plan for what we need in the game. That is always important. Azola understands what we want, Sam as well. I hope he makes a good recovery and Azola does as well, then we will see what happens in the next game.”

Zinnbauer and his charges haven’t been consistent in terms of getting positive results in the last few weeks.

They will be aiming to make it two wins in a row, as they look to close the gap on the likes of Mamelodi Sundowns, Swallows FC and SuperSport United.

But, Bucs are coming up against a rejuvenated Galaxy team under the guidance of Owen da Gama.

The Rockets claimed a 3-0 victory over the very same Team of Choice in their last game, and they will be fresher, with the club having not been in action over the weekend.

Pirates go into this tie sitting in fifth place on the log with 21 points,

Galaxy are striving to escape the relegation zone and presently occupy 13th place with 11 points.