Josef Zinnbauer, the recently appointed Orlando Pirates coach, today lifted the lid on how it came about that he landed the plush job in South African football having made attempts before to work in Africa.
He indicated that he did not rush to accept the chance to permanently replace Micho Sredojevic and Rulani Mokwena, who had taken over in the interim since August, because of money but simply because he felt he could improve the Buccaneers.
"I got a call from someone at Pirates like normal, because we have phones and emails in Germany too," Zinnbauer said, jokingly.
"No, it was the normal way. My agent called me and asked if I would be keen to come here. But six weeks before that I had another offer from Africa, though I decided Pirates would be a good fit because it is a good club.
The Siya crew has it on good authority that the 49-year-old mentor had been interviewed and shortlisted for the Uganda national team job last year as well.
He said he did not hesitate to test himself in what can be an unpredictable lead and sit on the hot seat of a club that's had 10 coaches over the last decade.
"This one was important for me because over the last seven months or so I had 10 offers – from Cyprus, Turkey and several other countries. But I decided to wait because I had the time. I had a contract in Switzerland, it was easy for me. And then I had a good feeling about this, that this was important for me," said Zinnbauer.
"I felt I could do some good work here – like everyone, you can decide to follow the money. But I don't follow the money, it has to be a good fit for me and I must have time for it."
