Posted in News, Team News on Nov 25, 2018.
“We are disappointed,” conceded Giovanni Solinas after watching his side going down 2-1 in the Telkom Knockout semi-final against arch rivals Orlando Pirates.
“Losing a Derby is painful. It’s a very sad day and we once more apologise to our supporters, who came in their numbers hoping to see us beat Pirates and progress to the final.”
The score was 1-1 at half-time with Amakhosi looking at that stage the more likely candidate to progress to the final.
“A lapse in concentration caused us the match,” commented Solinas about Bucs’ second goal. “But I don’t want to apportion blame on anyone – we win and lose together.”
The Glamour Boys entered Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday afternoon on the back of a three-match unbeaten run which all came with clean sheets.
“We had been doing well the past three games,” Solinas added, before commenting on the centre-back pairing.
“Mario Booysen is a good organiser who communicates well, while Siyabonga Ngezana is a future player for the national team, being strong and working hard. The two have done well in the past three games, hence we continued with their pairing for this Soweto Derby.”
The exit means Amakhosi were left reeling with a so-close-yet-so-far experience, not having reached a cup final. “There are still three more trophies to play for this season,” Solinas tried to stay positive, referring to the Nedbank Cup, the CAF Confederation Cup and the Absa Premiership.
“I will not give up and I will continue to work hard to improve the team,” concluded the Italian. “We have to remain positive. It is going to be difficult to sleep tonight though. But, come Sunday, we will roll up our sleeves and prepare for the next match.”
“Losing a Derby is painful. It’s a very sad day and we once more apologise to our supporters, who came in their numbers hoping to see us beat Pirates and progress to the final.”
The score was 1-1 at half-time with Amakhosi looking at that stage the more likely candidate to progress to the final.
“A lapse in concentration caused us the match,” commented Solinas about Bucs’ second goal. “But I don’t want to apportion blame on anyone – we win and lose together.”
The Glamour Boys entered Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday afternoon on the back of a three-match unbeaten run which all came with clean sheets.
“We had been doing well the past three games,” Solinas added, before commenting on the centre-back pairing.
“Mario Booysen is a good organiser who communicates well, while Siyabonga Ngezana is a future player for the national team, being strong and working hard. The two have done well in the past three games, hence we continued with their pairing for this Soweto Derby.”
The exit means Amakhosi were left reeling with a so-close-yet-so-far experience, not having reached a cup final. “There are still three more trophies to play for this season,” Solinas tried to stay positive, referring to the Nedbank Cup, the CAF Confederation Cup and the Absa Premiership.
“I will not give up and I will continue to work hard to improve the team,” concluded the Italian. “We have to remain positive. It is going to be difficult to sleep tonight though. But, come Sunday, we will roll up our sleeves and prepare for the next match.”
