Zinnbauer explains Mokwena's absence

Cape Town - Orlando Pirates coach Josef Zinnbauer has explained the reason for assistant coach Rhulani Mokwena's absence from the team's dugout in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

Pirates were held to a 1-1 draw by Bloemfontein Celtic, with Mokwena missing from the bench, triggering speculation the 32-year-old has left his role at the club.

But Zinnbauer has moved quickly to dispel the rumours, simply stating that Mokwena is 'on leave.

However, the German did not reveal how long Mokwena will be away and why he has been granted extended leave.

"He is on leave," Zinnbauer told KickOff.

Mokwena is said to be disgruntled with having been replaced by Zinnbauer on a permanent basis despite having been promised the interim reins until the end of the season by the Buccanneers hierarchy.

The Buccaneers are back in action on Tuesday evening against Polokwane City at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.

Kick-off is at 19:30.

- TeamTalk Media