Orlando Pirates: Zinnbauer defends ‘showboating’ Makaringe

Orlando Pirates coach Josef Zinnbauer has defended midfielder Fortune Makaringe, who divided opinion after a bit of showmanship during his side’s 1-0 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns on Wednesday.

The 26-year-old came under criticism from the opposition coach, Pitso Mosimane, who immediately expressed displeasure at his attempt to entertain the near-sellout crowd after his side had taken the lead.

Zinnbauer defends Makaringe

However, the ex-Bafana mentor’s counterpart had an opposing view as he came to the player’s defence, saying he does not mind a bit of showboating, as long as the supporters are happy.

“I saw my player, but maybe you heard the supporters?” Zinnbauer asked. “Maybe [Thembinkosi] Lorch makes the same, maybe a Sundowns player makes the same, I don’t know.

“I know a player, I think his name is Ronaldo, he plays in Italy [for Juventus], and you know him. He makes the same, and the supporters get happy.

“We cannot do much about this [showboating]. I cannot say, ‘hey Fortune, no, please! I change you if you make these things!’ We are in Africa, not in Germany. South Africa, to be exact. Yes, I am from Germany and we are direct in our play, but I can’t change how things are done here.”

Josef Zinnbauer

Mosimane was seen on the sidelines mimicking the move Makaringe pulled shortly after Gabadinho Mhango had put the Buccaneers in the lead.

In his post-match interview, the Sundowns coach said the showboating was “not good for football”.

A good game, just upset with one thing that happened on the pitch, not good for football, it’s my opinion okay. I hope it’s not good for Molefi Ntseki because he’s here, you know what I’m trying to say?

“Okay, the good thing is Fadlu [Davids] came and he apologised. You know it’s good for Maimane Phiri’s Games and Baba Mthethwa’s Games, we love it. Probably it’s going to be the flavour of the moment, kasi flavour but it’s the way it is. I don’t want to criticise or kill the youngster because he had a good game but it’s okay.”

Pitso Mosimane

Pirates are in action again on Saturday, hosting Highlands Park at Orlando Stadium, while Sundowns have a bit of a longer break before the Tshwane derby against Supersport United on Sunday at Lucas Moripe Stadium.