It is now reported that a former Orlando Pirates boss is the main candidate to become Elias Mokwana's new head coach at Esperance de Tunis.
Last week, Esperance sacked their former manager Miguel Cardoso just five league games into the 2024/25 season.
Read: Mokwana's ex-boss 'offered' new job after sacking
"Recent setbacks in Ligue 1 and relentless external pressure have taken their toll on this relationship of trust. Cardoso's dismissal, announced today, ends a short but emotionally charged adventure," a statement on the club's official website read.
The search for his replacement is already underway, with a several high-profile coaches having been linked with the Tunisian giants.
With Iskandar Al-Qasri appointed as interim coach following Cardoso's departure, Esperance have now reportedly reduced their list of candidates to just three managers.
Former Borussia Dortmund tactician Lucien Favre and ex-Senegal boss Aliou Cisse were linked with the job over the past few days, but the club has opted to take a different path, according to WinWin.
A source close to the club told the publication that the list of potential successors to Cardoso has been reduced to just three names, with ex-Pirates manager Josef Zinnbauer being the lead candidate.
The outlet claims that managers who were linked with the job who have since been ruled out include Algerian coach Djamel Belmadi, Senegalese tactician Cisse, and German Gernot Rohr.
Moreover, the Ligue Professionnelle 1 side also reportedly retreated from the idea of hiring Amir Abdou, the coach of Mauritania, who in turn is also said to have confirmed that he has not received an offer from Esperance.
While the identities of the two other managerial candidates are yet to be revealed, Esperance are said to have already made contact with Zinnbauer, who signed for Al Wehda in the Saudi Pro League at the beginning of the season.
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Pressure is piling on the German in Saudi Arabia, though, as his side now sit 15th on the league table, one spot above the relegation zone, after eight matches played.
By Lukhanyo Mtuta
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