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Zinnbauer back to prepare for final push

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The Buccaneers have not been this far in the MTN8 in quite a while and are just happy to be in the finals.

Josef Zinnbauer is back and ready to take the Buccaneers all the way to the MTN8 title. Picture: BackpagePix

JOHANNESBURG – Orlando Pirates coach Josef Zinnbauer said he is excited that his team advanced to the MTN8 Finals and is looking forward to going head-to-head with Bloemfontein Celtic.

The Soweto Giants successfully vanquished their biggest rivals 2-0 in the second leg of the semi-finals on Sunday afternoon, giving them a 5-0 aggregate.

The Buccaneers have not been this far in the MTN8 in quite a while and are just happy to be in the finals.

“I am happy now that we are in the finals. This final is for our supporters,” said a smiling Zinnbauer. “It is a difficult time for the club and for the supporters as we cannot see each other during games but I hope to see them in the finals. Maybe it’s possible for supporters to come to the stadium.”

Even though they managed to easily beat the Glamour Boys in the first leg of the semi-finals, the Pirates coach said going to the second leg was not easy as both sides were hungry for the victory.

Zinnbauer also stated that there were multiple chances for the Buccaneers to score more goals but the opportunities slipped.

“We had good results in the first leg and we had an advantage but you know with football it’s not easy. We know the quality from Kaizer Chiefs and we know what they wanted in the box.

“We had the chances to score more goals but maybe we will score in the next game,” said the 50-year-old coach.

On what his plans are for the team, the German mentor said he wants the players to improve and do better in the rest of their games.

“We need a little break now where we can recover and focus on the next games but we have players that are part of the national team and I wish them luck and good results.

“In these two weeks we will work on a better structure and things will have to improve, said Zinnbauer. “We have a lot of games and we need all players in the squad to improve in terms of conditioning and tactical aspects but it’s not so easy.”

The Soweto Giants last won the MTN8 title in 2011 and will be looking to once again get their hands on the MTN8 trophy when they lock horns with Bloemfontein Celtic on December 12.

Xilombe Mathye

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