Orlando Pirates coach Josef Zinnbaeur has returned home to Germany to attend to a son who is ill.

In a statement, Pirates dismissed earlier reports that suggested that the coach had resigned, saying he will return soon.

“Orlando Piratesfc.com can confirm that the club has granted the head coach leave to go home to Germany.

“Unfortunately, out of respect for Mr Zinnbaeur and his family we cannot divulge anything more except to say that his son is in hospital. The coach has asked for his family’s privacy to be respected during this difficult time,” the statement says.

The coach announced his resignation minutes after steering Pirates to a 3-0 thrashing of rivals Kaizer Chiefs in a MTN8 semi-final first-leg match in Johannesburg on Saturday afternoon.