Invincible: Ex-Orlando Pirates coaching duo make league history!
Invincible: Ex-Orlando Pirates coaching duo make league history!
Ex-Orlando Pirates coach Josef Zinnbauer, together with his assistant coach Fadlu Davids, have created history in the Moroccan topflight.
Zinnbauer lifted the Moroccan league title without a single defeat, while ably assisted by Davids who also had at Pirates.
Zinnbauer and Davids lead Moroccan giants Raja Casablanca to the league title, and they did so in style. They beat MC Oudja 3-0 and hardly had to break a sweat. They did take time to finally break the deadlock, however, with the lead coming in the latter parts of the first half. In the end it came courtesy of Abdellah Khafifi who capitalised on some poor defending to slot home.
Zinnbauer and Davids beat Nabi’s AS FAR to title with Raja!
That seemed to signal a change of tempo from Raja, who now looked motivated to step it up. This came with its just rewards, as Yousri Bouzok doubled their lead from the penalty spot just before half-time. 2-0 it was then, at the break. This while rivals for the title, AS FAR, coached by reported incoming Kaizer Chiefs Nasreddine Nabi were still deadlocked 0-0. Their assignment was against FUS Rabat at home.
In the second half, Raja showed no signs of relinquishing their lead, especially with the title in sight. Even though Oudja came out with more vigour, Zinnbauer’s side were given the opportunity to put the tie to bed. They duly did so through that man again, Bouzok, who converted his second penalty of the game. That sealed the title for the Green Mamba, ensuring that the German tactician and South African assistant were invincible.
To break down this incredible season for Zinnbauer and Davids, Raja picked up 21 wins and nine draws. They had also gone on an outstanding run of 12 consecutive victories. This is what propelled them to the top, over Nabi’s AS FAR side which finished second, after just three losses.
Unbeaten season for the former Pirates duo
More impressively, Zinnbauer has only lost once since joining Raja. Besides Davids, he brought another South African and former Pirates first team coach Darian Wilken to the club. while another South African Mueez Kajee is the head performance analyst.
Zinnbauer, Davids and Wilken all enjoyed MTN8 success together at Pirates as well.