Posted in News, Team News on Oct 22, 2018.
“I am happy with the result,” Giovanni Solinas said after going past Black Leopards to reach the Telkom Knockout quarterfinals, “but not with the performance in the first half. We knew it would be tough.” The Italian added with a wry smile: “I lost two years of my life today.”
The game between Kaizer Chiefs and Leopards was a tense affair that had to be decided on penalties with the score being 1-1 after extra time. Virgil Vries saved two penalties, while Ryan Moon netted the winner helping Amakhosi to be victorious in the shootout, 4-2.
Solinas pointed out that the Glamour Boys missed six of their regular starters due to a variety of injuries, including Khama Billiat, Lebogang Manyama, Dumsani Zuma, Siyabonga Ngezana and Leonardo Castro.
“Even Real Madrid or Barcelona would have difficulties without so many starters,” the coach explained. “Besides that, Leopards are a good side that play with energy and enthusiasm.”
Solinas was unhappy about his side’s first half performance, “the team played without a clear idea and there was too much distance between the various departments, like between defence and midfield. We didn’t play compact. Leopards exposed that space and that’s why they created a few chances in the first half, besides scoring the goal.
“We improved in the second half and we moved the ball around differently. I have respect for the guys who played today. They did well, and I appreciated the team spirit.”
About Itumeleng Khune’s absence in goal, the coach mentioned that it was “normal rotation”. The Namibian international Vries turned out to be the hero on the day by stopping two penalties in the shootout. “We have two very good international goalkeepers,” Solinas commented.
Chiefs play the Soweto Derby on Saturday and the coach hopes that at least Zuma, Billiat and Castro will be back for the encounter against Orlando Pirates.
“The Derby is a special game, for the coach, the players, the club and the supporters,” concluded Solinas.
Tickets for the Derby have already been sold out.
The game between Kaizer Chiefs and Leopards was a tense affair that had to be decided on penalties with the score being 1-1 after extra time. Virgil Vries saved two penalties, while Ryan Moon netted the winner helping Amakhosi to be victorious in the shootout, 4-2.
Solinas pointed out that the Glamour Boys missed six of their regular starters due to a variety of injuries, including Khama Billiat, Lebogang Manyama, Dumsani Zuma, Siyabonga Ngezana and Leonardo Castro.
“Even Real Madrid or Barcelona would have difficulties without so many starters,” the coach explained. “Besides that, Leopards are a good side that play with energy and enthusiasm.”
Solinas was unhappy about his side’s first half performance, “the team played without a clear idea and there was too much distance between the various departments, like between defence and midfield. We didn’t play compact. Leopards exposed that space and that’s why they created a few chances in the first half, besides scoring the goal.
“We improved in the second half and we moved the ball around differently. I have respect for the guys who played today. They did well, and I appreciated the team spirit.”
About Itumeleng Khune’s absence in goal, the coach mentioned that it was “normal rotation”. The Namibian international Vries turned out to be the hero on the day by stopping two penalties in the shootout. “We have two very good international goalkeepers,” Solinas commented.
Chiefs play the Soweto Derby on Saturday and the coach hopes that at least Zuma, Billiat and Castro will be back for the encounter against Orlando Pirates.
“The Derby is a special game, for the coach, the players, the club and the supporters,” concluded Solinas.
Tickets for the Derby have already been sold out.
