Fadlu opens up on Zinnbauer relationship

Fadlu opens up on Zinnbauer relationship

Newly appointed Lokomotiv Moscow assistant coach Fadlu Davids has opened up on his relationship with former Orlando Pirates colleague Josef Zinnbauer, which has seen him move to Russia. 

Zinnbauer took the Buccaneers head coach position as an unknown late in 2019 before leaving in August last year, but recruiting Davids on his latest project speaks to the bond the two previously established in Soweto. 

Davids explained the pair were in constant conversations following the German tactician™s departure, which ultimately led to the call for him to relocate to the Russian capital.

"I think I just did my job at Pirates, as I always have, trying to do the best of my ability, and having that mutual respect for fellow coaches," Davids told SABC Sport.

"He [Zinnbauer] understood that I was a head coach before and I took this step now to complete my licenses and he immediately gave me that respect as a fellow head coach and not telling me to pick up cones but discussing ideas in terms of tactical planning, training, etc.

"So that trust, when he could see I was giving him the correct information and working together quite nicely, of course, that mutual respect remained.

"I've always been in touch with him and the project he started here, and he was always informing me - letting me know that there is a possibility [of a coaching role opening up].

"Their coach Marvin Compper, who was the custodian of this Redbull philosophy that was within the club - therefore you see the profile of our club is extremely young players with a lot of talent and potential, then left. And the talks then started and I now find myself here coaching in the Russian Premier League."

By Mazola Molefe