Zinnbauer: Pirates players were hungry for a title

by Graeme Jackson

Monday Dec 14, 2020. 11:00

Orlando Pirates coach Josef Zinnbauer has explained that his players were “hungry for a title” following their MTN8 final triumph over Bloemfontein Celtic this past weekend.

The Buccaneers came from a goal down to defeat Phunya Sele Sele in Durban on Saturday evening, securing their first piece of major silverware since 2014 and a first under the guidance of their German manager.

“I think difficult game. It’s not easy when you concede in the second minute or first minute but we came back quickly. We had a good first half, had chances. Second half we were in control, then you saw Lorch, Ben, were top today, it was a team effort today,” Zinnbauer told SuperSport, as quoted by Kick-Off.

“Then we scored a second goal and we defended which is normal, but also we had a lot of counter-attacks. We had a little bit of luck in the last minute,Ofori made a good save. It was a good game.

“We have a title. Thank you to the chairman, thank you to Irvin, Phumi, Floyd. Thank you to the team. We had a lot of different games and today we deserved to win this game.

“Monare is an experienced player and we wanted his experience. Lorch came in and brought more offence in to the game. I hope Monare doesn’t have such a serious problem with his knee.

“I’ve learnt a lot since being here. It’s a good experience for both me and the team. We are happy. We have a title. It’s important for us. It’s important for the supporters. They were so hungry for a title and I think nine years ago we last won the MTN8 and now we have done it again.”

Zinnbauer also dedicated the triumph to his son, Fabio, who has been in a coma since being involved in a car accident in October.

“This is for my son, Fabio. I thank God for this game, but I hope you give me my son back.”

Pirates will return to action this midweek when they face Chippa United in a league match in Soweto on the evening of Wednesday, December 16.