Former Orlando Pirates coach Josef Zinnbauer has reportedly rebuffed interest from Egyptian giants in favor of his project with Algerian Ligue 1 outfit JS Kabylie. The well-travelled coach is contracted until June 2026.

The Algerian club lured Zinnbauer back to Africa in January 2025 after he parted ways with Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Wehda, where he was shown the exit door three months into the job following a string of poor results.

Before taking up the challenge in the Middle East, the German mentor left the African continent with his stocks on the rise after guiding Raja Casablanca to an invincible Botola Pro League title and a Throne Cup triumph last season.

Now, in Algeria, Zinnbauer has been tasked with restoring the club’s glory days after the Algerian giants finished in a dismal 14th place in the 2022/23 season, just three points above the relegation zone, before registering a seventh-place finish last campaign.

Since taking over from Abdelhak Benchika, the German mentor has overseen nine games, winning five matches, drawing three, and losing only once in his first match. The Canaries are currently on an eight-game unbeaten run in the league.

Moreover, Zinnbauer’s side is in third place with 43 points amassed from 24 league outings, level on points with second-placed Khanyisa Mayo’s CR Belouizad, coached by ex-TS Galaxy mentor Sead Ramovic, and two points behind log leaders and title holders MC Alger.

In the wake of his exploits, Egyptian giants Zamalek SC revisited their interest in luring him to Cairo. The White Knights are said to have made contact with Zinnbauer’s camp in a bid to hold exploratory talks over a possible agreement for him to take over.

However, whispers echoing in Algeria suggest the 55-year-old tactician is believed to have turned down the proposal as he is keen to see out his current project with the two-time CAF Champions League winners, who are desperate for a first league title since the 2007/08 season and a first trophy since the 2020/21 term.

The Cairo-based outfit parted ways with Portuguese tactician Jose Peseiro due to unsatisfactory results this week, just two months after he was appointed in mid-February. Zamalek are currently on a three-game winless run in the Egyptian Premier League.