
Former Orlando Pirates head coach Josef Zinnbauer appears set to return to African football, with strong signs pointing to him taking up a vacant position at the esteemed Algerian club, outpacing numerous experienced coaches in the process.
The German manager departed Africa to join Saudi Arabian team Al-Wehda in July 2024, after guiding Raja Casablanca to an unbeaten Botola Pro League championship and a Throne Cup title last season, significantly boosting his reputation.
However, Zinnbauer parted ways with the club following a lackluster start in the wealthy kingdom, where he managed to achieve only two victories from the 13 matches he oversaw; his only other win came against second-division team Al-Faisaly in a penalty shootout during the King’s Cup.
At the age of 54, the coach has been without a club since November of last year, leading several teams within the CAF region to express interest in his return to the continent. Reports indicate he has drawn attention from Zamalek, his former club Raja, and another Moroccan side, MAS Fes.
Currently, it seems that Zinnbauer, who secured the MTN8 trophy with Pirates in 2020, is under consideration by JS Kabylie, with negotiations appearing to progress positively as both parties strive to finalize personal terms.
JS Kabylie is reportedly weighing various candidates following the unexpected resignation of Abdelhak Benchikha, who stepped down in January after guiding the club to the round of 32 in the Algerian Cup, citing ongoing dissatisfaction from management despite positive results.
Aliou Cisse, who led Senegal to victory at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, is said to have declined the chance to take charge, while former Mauritania coach Amir Abdou was favored by officials but not by the club president. Discussions have also included French manager Oswald Tanchot.
Zinnbauer is now the leading candidate to replace Benchikha, as the two-time CAF Champions League winners currently sit atop Algerian Ligue 1. He will be tasked with securing the club’s first league title since the 2007/08 season.