It’s still work in progress – Solinas
It’s still work in progress – Solinas

Posted in News, Team News on Nov 08, 2018.

“It was a difficult game,” coach Giovanni Solinas admitted after the 1-0 win over Black Leopards on Wednesday night. “I like to play good football, but sometimes you just have to fight and grind out a result. I am happy about the win, it’s still work in progress though and we need to improve.”

The coach also pointed out that Kaizer Chiefs created a lot of chances. “We should have scored that second goal to kill the game. We need to be more determined in the box and convert the goalscoring opportunities we get.”

The Italian was satisfied with his side keeping a clean sheet for the second time in a row, after having beaten SuperSport United 1-0 in the Telkom Knockout quarterfinal on Sunday.

Black Leopards’ Lesedi Kapinga was selected as the Man of the Match, but the best performers were probably Itumeleng Khune and Mario Booysen. Especially, Khune made some spectacular saves.

“I am happy that Khune is the goalkeeper of Kaizer Chiefs,” Solinas commented with a twinkle in his eye, before adding, “He’s the best goalkeeper in South Africa.”

The coach was furthermore satisfied with the performance of Dax Andrianarimanana, who made against Leopards his first start as a Glamour Boy, playing in central midfield.

“He played well,” the coach commented, “Dax is coming back from injury. His match fitness is therefore not yet top and that’s why I replaced him in the second half.”

Thanks to the win, Chiefs are now in fourth position on the Absa Premiership standings with 17 points from 12 games, five points behind log leaders Orlando Pirates.

“We love to play champagne football,” concluded Solinas, “but the reality is that that is not always possible. If that’s the case, you have to fight and get the three points. That’s exactly what we did. I am proud of the boys.”

Chiefs next host Chippa United in a league fixture at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, 10 November. This game will be played behind closed doors.

We therefore appeal to all supporters – please don’t come to the stadium as no tickets will be sold as the game is behind closed doors. The match will, however, be shown live on SuperSport 4. Kick-off is at 18:00.

 

Share this article: