Orlando Pirates coach Zinnbauer singles out two derby heroes

Orlando Pirates head coach Josef Zinnbauer has heaped praised on two of his players after the Soweto derby victory over Kaizer Chiefs.

Zinnbauer conceded that his side were second best in the first half but he offered great praise for goalkeeper Richard Ofori and scorer of the go-ahead goal Thembinkosi Lorch.

Lorch and Ofori come in for praise

Lorch and Siphesihle Ndlovu got on the scoresheet as Orlando Pirates earned a 2-1 win over Kaizer Chiefs and Soweto Derby bragging rights.

Zinnbauer was especially grateful to Ofori for keeping his team in the game when it looked like Kaizer Chiefs had to score. Three crucial saves from the Ghanain stopper ensured that Amakhosi would not get full value for their first half exertions. He kept Samir Nurkovic out from the penalty spot after a spot-kick that Zinnbauer felt was dubious.

“Tough game, first half I think they were the better team. Second half we have the goal and then we played more on the counter-attack. I think we also had opportunities to score earlier,” Zinnbauer told SuperSport.

“I have to see the pictures, but I think, penalties not one I think in the first half also. But the biggest thing for me was close to the end in the first half with Makaringe and Lorch completely alone.

“I think they make the second goal then the game is close to finish for us in the second half. But now you see Kaizer Chiefs have the quality especially with long high balls in the box and the crosses.

“Always crossing, crossing, crossing it is not easy to defend but compliments keeper Richard [Ofori] made a good game.”

Orlando Pirates’ man of the match

Thembinkosi Lorch of Orlando Pirates during the DStv Premiership 2020/21 match between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs on the 30 January 2020 at Orlando Stadium, Soweto Pic Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix

Zinnbauer singled out Lorch as his man of the match for his box-to-box efforts in a massive game that propels them right back into the title race.

“The defensive lines also, it’s not easy against these guys. Lorch is man of the match. I think it was a top game in offence and defence. I think in the channel you have a team effort today and deserved the three points,” the Orlando Pirates trainer added.

Next up for Orlando Pirates is a tricky trip to Durban to face in-form Golden Arrows. Abafana Bes’thende are just three points off Pirates with two games in hand having lost just once in the 2020/21 DStv Premiership.

Next weekend, Orlando Pirates will play host to another KwaZulu-Natal outfit as they stage a Nedbank Cup Round of 32 match against National First Division side Uthongathi FC.