Pirates were edged 2-1 by Swallows FC at Orlando Stadium to surrender their MTN 8 trophy which they claimed last season. As a result, fans have taken to social media using the #JZOut calling for the coach, Josef Zinnbauer to resign.

The match was Swallows’ debut in the MTN8 competition after they qualified with a sixth-place finish in last year’s DSTV Premiership standings. Knocking them out on their home turf. This means two successive heart-breaking losses at home for the Buccaneers after losing the Carling Black Label Cup match against Chiefs last weekend.

Speaking after their defeat, Orlando Pirates coach Zinnbauer said he knows football well enough to be aware that if a manager “wins three games in a row he’s the best coach and loses three in a row he’s the worst coach”. He also added that he understands that worldwide fans of big clubs expect constant success.

“They are furious we understand, in football you win, and you lose especially in trophy matches there is no draw. They have every right to be angry about the results, but they must know one thing in football you win, or you lose. The season is just starting there is more we are looking forward to. I have no much to say, I will not pay too much attention to those tweets,” said the German shepherd, Josef Zinnbauer.

After Zinnbauer fielded a familiar squad and maintained the same tactics as last season, former Orlando Pirates player Teko Modise feels that his former club is still to establish a working philosophy they can be identified with. “I think there are a lot of questions Orlando Pirates are asking themselves tactically. I think when it comes to identity as well, they are asking how exactly they want to start playing,” Modise told SuperSport TV.

Having been eliminated from the MTN 8, Pirates now switch focus to their Premier Soccer League campaign which they kick-off against Stellenbosch at home on Saturday.