Posted in News, Team News on Nov 11, 2018.
“I am glad this game was the last of playing in an empty stadium,” commented Giovanni Solinas about the absence of supporters at Moses Mabhida Stadium due to the imposed two match ban. “Our supporters are a big factor. They help the players raise their game and play at a high tempo. We missed them here tonight but there’s nothing we could do about it.”
Solinas watched his side drop two valuable points when they were held by Chippa United to a goalless draw. The league encounter was played behind closed doors at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday night.
“I am disappointed with the result,” admitted Solinas, “although we faced a Chippa United that did well and, as a result, was always going to be difficult to beat. We have played three games in six days. We tried to rotate some players, but you can’t make too many changes to the team.”
Kaizer Chiefs advanced last Sunday to the semi-finals of the Telkom Knockout Cup after beating SuperSport United, beating Black Leopards in midweek and collecting a point against Chippa United on Saturday, all in the space of six days.
“We are protecting some players, as they are not fully match-fit,” said Solinas, while talking about Dax Andrianarimanana, who started against Leopards but didn’t feature against Chippa. “Remember, Dax arrived at the club carrying a niggling injury. He is getting there, but it will take a bit of time to catch up with the rest of the team.”
Lack of goals from the strikers is beginning to raise some eyebrows. Solinas, however, remains confident that his strike force will recover their goalscoring form: “I am happy with my forwards. I am confident that they will be right there at the top of the goalscorers list at the end of this league marathon. Leonardo Castro, Khama Billiat, Bernard Parker, Ryan Moon, Dumsani Zuma and our other attacking players are capable of striking anytime.”
Siphelele Ntshangase started the season well, but he hasn’t started a game recently. “Ntshangase is an important member of the team,” commented Solinas. “He is good on the ball and he gives us options, but we have gone for ball-winners in the centre of midfield for the past few games. I am sure that with hard work, Siphelele will improve in that role.”
The Italian coach is confident that Lebogang Manyama and Bernard Parker will make a timely return to fitness before the next match, which is on 24 November.
“We will use the upcoming FIFA break to prepare the team for this clash,” Solinas remarked. “We hope that Manyama and Parker will return to full fitness during the period to add firepower in our offensive play.”
“It is a positive that we didn’t lose this match,” the coach concluded about the goalless draw against Chippa United. “A loss would have had a negative impact on the team before the Telkom Knockout semifinal. I’m also happy we didn’t concede a goal.”
Amakhosi’s next match will the Telkom Knockout semi-final against Orlando Pirates at an already sold out Moses Mabhida Stadium on 24 November (kick-off is at 15:00).
Solinas watched his side drop two valuable points when they were held by Chippa United to a goalless draw. The league encounter was played behind closed doors at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday night.
“I am disappointed with the result,” admitted Solinas, “although we faced a Chippa United that did well and, as a result, was always going to be difficult to beat. We have played three games in six days. We tried to rotate some players, but you can’t make too many changes to the team.”
Kaizer Chiefs advanced last Sunday to the semi-finals of the Telkom Knockout Cup after beating SuperSport United, beating Black Leopards in midweek and collecting a point against Chippa United on Saturday, all in the space of six days.
“We are protecting some players, as they are not fully match-fit,” said Solinas, while talking about Dax Andrianarimanana, who started against Leopards but didn’t feature against Chippa. “Remember, Dax arrived at the club carrying a niggling injury. He is getting there, but it will take a bit of time to catch up with the rest of the team.”
Lack of goals from the strikers is beginning to raise some eyebrows. Solinas, however, remains confident that his strike force will recover their goalscoring form: “I am happy with my forwards. I am confident that they will be right there at the top of the goalscorers list at the end of this league marathon. Leonardo Castro, Khama Billiat, Bernard Parker, Ryan Moon, Dumsani Zuma and our other attacking players are capable of striking anytime.”
Siphelele Ntshangase started the season well, but he hasn’t started a game recently. “Ntshangase is an important member of the team,” commented Solinas. “He is good on the ball and he gives us options, but we have gone for ball-winners in the centre of midfield for the past few games. I am sure that with hard work, Siphelele will improve in that role.”
The Italian coach is confident that Lebogang Manyama and Bernard Parker will make a timely return to fitness before the next match, which is on 24 November.
“We will use the upcoming FIFA break to prepare the team for this clash,” Solinas remarked. “We hope that Manyama and Parker will return to full fitness during the period to add firepower in our offensive play.”
“It is a positive that we didn’t lose this match,” the coach concluded about the goalless draw against Chippa United. “A loss would have had a negative impact on the team before the Telkom Knockout semifinal. I’m also happy we didn’t concede a goal.”
Amakhosi’s next match will the Telkom Knockout semi-final against Orlando Pirates at an already sold out Moses Mabhida Stadium on 24 November (kick-off is at 15:00).
