Former Orlando Pirates coach Josef Zinnbauer is reportedly edging closer to making a return to African football and is expected to take over a vacant hot seat at the Algerian giants, beating a host of seasoned coaches to the post.

The German mentor left Africa for Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Wehda in July 2024 after leading Raja Casablanca to an invincible Botola Pro League title and the Throne Cup triumph last season, which saw his stocks undergo a rapid rise.

However, Zinnbauer was relieved of his duties after an indifferent start in the oil-rich kingdom, where he managed to win two of the 13 games he oversaw at the club, with the other win coming against second-division side Al-Faisaly in a penalty shootout in the King’s Cup.

The 54-year-old tactician has been unattached since last year November, prompting teams in the CAF region to try luring him back to the continent. He has been subject to a reported interest from Zamalek, former team Raja, and another Moroccan outfit MAS Fes.

Now, indications are that Zinnbauer, who won the MTN8 title with Pirates in 2020, is under the radar of Algerian club JS Kabylie, and talks are believed to be at an advanced stage with the two parties ironing out finer details to reach an agreement on personal terms.

The Canaries are said to have considered several candidates following the unexpected departure of Abdelhak Benchikha, who resigned in January after qualifying for the Algerian Cup round of 32, citing constant dissatisfaction from the hierarchy regardless of the results.

Aliou Cisse, who led Senegal to the 2021 Africa Cup Of Nations glory, is understood to have turned down the offer to take over the reigns while ex-Mauritania mentor Amir Abdou was the executives’ first choice but not the president. French tactician Oswald Tanchot was also discussed.

Zinnbauer is the frontrunner to succeed Benchikha with the two-time CAF Champions League winners currently at the top of the Algerian Ligue 1. He will be tasked with delivering the club’s first league title since the 2007/08 campaign.