‘Chiefs, Downs have set example for Bucs to follow’
● We want to do it for SA, says coach Zinnbauer of Orlando Pirates’ Caf quarterfinals ambitions
Orlando Pirates coach Josef Zinnbauer has spoken about the significance of emulating Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs by also qualifying for the quarterfinals of the Caf Confederation Cup, where they top Group A with two games to spare.
Sundowns and Chiefs qualified for the Champions League last eight.
Now Pirates aim to take a leaf out of the two fellow SA clubs’ book by progressing to the Confed Cup quarterfinals.
The Buccaneers took a giant stride towards reaching the last eight after beating Libyan side Al Ahli Benghazi 3-0 at Orlando Stadium on Sunday.
The victory, earned through goals by Ntsikelelo Nyauza, Tshegofatsho Mabasa and Kabelo Dlamini, put table topping Bucs on eight points, two behind Nigeria side Enyimba.
“Congratulations to these teams [Sundowns and Chiefs].
“We know it’s not easy competing in continental competitions, especially playing away,” Zinnbauer said.
“We also have a chance [to book a slot in the Confed Cup quarterfinals].
“We want to do it for SA. We want the last eight spot for the club, for our supporters.
“It’s very important to also qualify and we feel we have a great chance to do it.
“Our supporters would be very happy to see us going into the quarterfinals.”
Pirates’ task at hand is the Nedbank Cup quarterfinal clash against the defending champs Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Thursday (6pm).
Should Pirates prevail, they will face Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila on Sunday in the last four, meaning this could be a demanding week for them.
“We’re playing against the best team at the moment [referring to Downs], but in football you always have a chance.
“This is a special week and a top week for us,” the Sea Robbers trainer said.
Zinnbauer was also on cloud nine to see Mabasa and Dlamini on the score sheet.
“I am happy for Mabasa; he has been out for some time ... it’s good he gets among the goals. But he’s not 100% yet.
“I’m happy for the other guys too, Dlamini also. These are the things that we like to see,” Zinnbauer said.
● Meanwhile, after ending their nine-match winless run with a 1-0 victory over Black Leopards, a relieved Swallows coach Brendon Truter urged his players to build on that in their remaining games in the DStv Premiership.
Before the victory at Dobsonville Stadium on Sunday, Swallows went for three months without registering a win.
In nine matches, they had drawn eight and lost once. Truter, who was under pressure, hoped this was a turning point.
“Playing the bottom dwellers is always difficult; a team that fights for their life to keep the status in the PSL,” Truter told the club media department.
“If you look back at last season, Leopards were the team that picked up many points, especially when their backs were against the wall. They are a dangerous team.
“But we knew it was going to be tough, and we are confident playing at home and being unbeaten here that we will manage to get the three points.
“I expected a few more goals, but it is nice.
“Clean sheet. Now we have to build on this.
“I’m just happy for the three points. ”—