Orlando Pirates coach has no intention of developing Ndlovu as a fullback

Orlando Pirates head coach Josef Zinnbauer says that Siphesihle Ndlovu has been deployed at right back out of necessity not design.

Ndlovu impressed in midfield during Pirates 3-0 midweek win over Black Leopards and Zinnbauer revealed that the plans for the future are to deploy him further up the park.

Siphesihle Ndlovu still a midfielder

Zinnbauer lauded the 24-year-old’s versatility while conceding that he was playing out of position.

Defender Wayde Jooste returned for the visit of Lidoda Duvha, and put in a man of the match performance in his 100th league appearance for the club.

Zinnbauer credited Jooste with being the driving force behind the improved performance from a team that has gone off the rails in recent weeks.

“The problem with Ndlovu is we had other players available, Wayde was injured, Mabaso was injured, Monyane was injured – that was the problem why we had Ndlovu [at right-back],” Zinnbauer explained.

“Ndlovu is very flexible in midfield too, he can play eight, he can also maybe six or wide or 10 positions and we are happy about this but the reason in the last [few games] we didn’t have players available.

“Wayde comes closer [to full fitness] and he gets minutes after he signalled he is ready and he gave a top performance, Man of the Match – he was involved in most of our offensive actions.

“If he keeps giving these performances there won’t be any more discussions about who we play in that position.”

Terrence Mashego of Cape Town City challenged by Siphesihle Ndlovu of Orlando Pirates during the DStv Premiership 2020/21 match between Orlando Pirates and Cape Town City on the 09 February 2020 at Orlando Stadium, Soweto Pic Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix

Raja Casablanca looming for Orlando Pirates

Orlando Pirates turn their attention to Stellenbosch FC whom they face on Tuesday 11 May before welcoming Raja Casablanca for the first leg of their Caf Confederation Cup quarterfinal next weekend.

Zinnbauer has bemoaned Orlando Pirates’ bad luck when it comes to cup draws this season, and it seems the Moroccan giants are already occupying the German’s thoughts.

“At the moment with [the] draws we haven’t had luck, remember with the Nedbank Cup we got [Mamelodi Sundowns] – normally for supporters would [have] been the best final but we cannot wish what we want,” he said.

“We get it and the next step is now, for me, one of the best teams in, not just the quarter-final but in the whole of Africa. Raja is a big club, last season they were in the Super Cup final, the year before they won the Confederation Cup, they are a big team with big supporters at home like Pirates – I think we can compare this with Pirates or Kaizer Chiefs.

“For me it’s unlucky but on the other side you can say we have to focus on a big team, we can’t go too casual in the game like against Enyimba – not that I’m saying it’s a bad team or small club – but the performance could have been better. We can play better, but Raja, I know 100 percent the players know this is one of the best teams on the continent of Africa.”

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