Orlando Pirates coach Josef Zinnbauer says his side have nothing to lose heading into the much-anticipated Soweto derby against Kaizer Chiefs.

The Buccaneers extended their unbeaten run in the Absa Premiership to 10 games after securing a late victory over Black Leopards at the Thohoyandou Stadium through an own goal from Thabiso Mokoena.

The Sea Robbers have now moved above Mamelodi Sundowns and into second place with 39 points from 20 games, and are now six points behind log-leaders Kaizer Chiefs, who suffered their third defeat of the season over the weekend.

Zinnbauer admits he is relishing the chance of facing arch-rivals Chiefs in the next edition of the Soweto derby at FNB Stadium on 29 February.

‘Yes, we now have three points, we look always to the next game and then we have a big game for the supporters, we have nothing to lose on this game. Kaizer Chiefs is under pressure now and we have fun, we’re very glad for the next game, the big game for the supporters and us. I’m glad for this, I hope it’s coming soon,’ Zinnbauer told SuperSport TV.

Zinnbauer is grateful to Wayne Sandilands for his performance on the day by insisting that the Pirates shotstopper was their lucky charm as they went on to snatch all three points.

‘First half was very difficult for us, the opponent played very strong and they had the good solution, the set pieces, they counter-attacked [but] we have [Wayne] Sandilands, this was our luck today, yes,’ he added.

‘The second half, the first five minutes was not so good, we needed a little time to come in the game and from minute to minute we come more and more in the game and then we have the control, the lead of the game.

‘Last week we had [been] in the last minute unlucky and now we have in the end luck and we’re happy, three points today.’

The German mentor went on to praise his side for showing real character and fighting spirit to snatch a late win against Leopards.

‘It’s true [not giving up], the team gives [in] all conditions, all fighting that we have for three points, this is the thing that we want at Orlando Pirates, they want a fighter, they want a winner, guys that have hunger for success and this is the point we have at the moment and I hope we continue this.

‘Last week we had 120 minutes, the players for this weather today was very hard, difficult for us. Ja, we changed, [Austin] Muwowo comes in, [Zakhele] Lepasa comes in and [Kabelo] Dlamini comes in, we need fresh guys and then we see we’re coming more and more and they players were quick,’ Zinnbauer concluded.