Posted in News, Team News on Aug 30, 2018.
“Saturday’s game is like a World Cup final,” coach Giovanni Solinas says about the second leg of the MTN8 semi-final against SuperSport United. It will be tough, but we will approach the game with confidence.”
The coach also spoke about Amakhosi’s 2-2 all draw against Bloemfontein Celtic on Wednesday night. “We played a beautiful game of football and basically had the game under control,” reflects the Italian. “Then, we lost our concentration twice and concede silly goals, losing out on two valuable points.
“Individual mistakes were made, but I don’t want to blame anyone. We win together, we lose together. We have to take responsibility as a collective. Our philosophy is to play attacking football, which helps us to score goals. But we also concede far too many goals. We need to defend as a team.”
Chiefs went 2-0 up thanks to goals from Khama Billiat and Khotso Malope, before Celtic netted twice in the space of three minutes to equalise in the second half.
“The players were very disappointed in the dressing room after the final whistle,” Solinas continues, “because we were winning and then we give it away. It’s important that the players show this type of reaction, as it builds strong mentality and team character.”
The coach adds that he is happy about the football displayed and the number of chances that are being created. “Defending is a collective. We have to fix the mistakes made and focus on the next match against SuperSport United. There is not lot of time to train, but that’s how it is.”
Amakhosi and Matsantsantsa played to a 2-2 draw on the road in the first round of the MTN8 semi-final.
“Kaizer Chiefs haven’t won a trophy for the last three seasons,” Solinas points out. “That’s not good enough for Kaizer Chiefs, which throughout its history is used to winning cups. The MTN8 is an opportunity and a target to win, because we are Kaizer Chiefs.”
The coach furthermore mentioned that the newly signed Lebogang Manyama and Mario Booysen are not as yet match-fit. George Maluleka is also still out. But the good news is that Itumeleng Khune, who missed the Celtic clash due to a bruised forearm, will be ready for the MTN8 semi-final.
“SuperSport play better away than at home,” Solinas concludes. “It’s a crucial game. We have to recover energy. Time is our enemy, but there are no excuses - we just have to be ready come Saturday. People say that we have a slight advantage because of having scored two goals on the road. My approach is that it’s a new game on Saturday. It starts goalless and we will be looking for a win.”
Chiefs host the second leg of the MTN8 semi-final at FNB Stadium on Saturday, 1 September. Kick-off is at 20:15.
The tickets cost R15 for children and R60 for adults.
TicketPro outlets are found at Edgars, JET, Spar and CNA stores nationwide.
Parking is free opposite gate M.
The Kaizer Chiefs Retail store is at gate K at FNB Stadium, while entrance is through gate E and M.
The coach also spoke about Amakhosi’s 2-2 all draw against Bloemfontein Celtic on Wednesday night. “We played a beautiful game of football and basically had the game under control,” reflects the Italian. “Then, we lost our concentration twice and concede silly goals, losing out on two valuable points.
“Individual mistakes were made, but I don’t want to blame anyone. We win together, we lose together. We have to take responsibility as a collective. Our philosophy is to play attacking football, which helps us to score goals. But we also concede far too many goals. We need to defend as a team.”
Chiefs went 2-0 up thanks to goals from Khama Billiat and Khotso Malope, before Celtic netted twice in the space of three minutes to equalise in the second half.
“The players were very disappointed in the dressing room after the final whistle,” Solinas continues, “because we were winning and then we give it away. It’s important that the players show this type of reaction, as it builds strong mentality and team character.”
The coach adds that he is happy about the football displayed and the number of chances that are being created. “Defending is a collective. We have to fix the mistakes made and focus on the next match against SuperSport United. There is not lot of time to train, but that’s how it is.”
Amakhosi and Matsantsantsa played to a 2-2 draw on the road in the first round of the MTN8 semi-final.
“Kaizer Chiefs haven’t won a trophy for the last three seasons,” Solinas points out. “That’s not good enough for Kaizer Chiefs, which throughout its history is used to winning cups. The MTN8 is an opportunity and a target to win, because we are Kaizer Chiefs.”
The coach furthermore mentioned that the newly signed Lebogang Manyama and Mario Booysen are not as yet match-fit. George Maluleka is also still out. But the good news is that Itumeleng Khune, who missed the Celtic clash due to a bruised forearm, will be ready for the MTN8 semi-final.
“SuperSport play better away than at home,” Solinas concludes. “It’s a crucial game. We have to recover energy. Time is our enemy, but there are no excuses - we just have to be ready come Saturday. People say that we have a slight advantage because of having scored two goals on the road. My approach is that it’s a new game on Saturday. It starts goalless and we will be looking for a win.”
Chiefs host the second leg of the MTN8 semi-final at FNB Stadium on Saturday, 1 September. Kick-off is at 20:15.
The tickets cost R15 for children and R60 for adults.
TicketPro outlets are found at Edgars, JET, Spar and CNA stores nationwide.
Parking is free opposite gate M.
The Kaizer Chiefs Retail store is at gate K at FNB Stadium, while entrance is through gate E and M.
