CAPE TOWN - Kaizer Chiefs coach Giovanni Solinas has described Tuesday’s 3-1 defeat to Bidvest Wits as a “big lesson” for his side.
Solinas got his AmaKhosi career underway with an encouraging 1-1 draw against Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday in the opening game of the Premiership, easing concerns that his delayed start and not being able to oversee pre-season preparations could impact Chiefs’ season.
However, Tuesday’s heavy defeat to Wits is a reminder that Chiefs face a tough road back to the top of the pile even with an improve squad and new coach. “We must learn from this game and we need to have a reaction. We have to show character,” Solinas told the club website about Tuesday’s loss.
“It was a tough match against a good opponent. They came and played counter-attack. They had three chances and scored three times. We created more chances, but only netted once.
“I am disappointed. We were all in a good mood after our great performance against Mamelodi Sundowns, only conceding from a penalty. However, (Tuesday) the distance between the players was too big, leaving too much space for the Wits players to run into.”
Wits scored through Deon Hotto, Terrence Dzvukamanja and Gift Motupa, while Chiefs scored through Leonardo Castro. Since his appointment, Since his appointment Solinas has said several times that it will take time to build Chiefs into a winning side and he stressed the point again after Tuesday’s loss.
“We want to play offensive football and try to dominate the game. We have to work as well on our defensive and offensive game, as we need to improve on our finishing. It takes time to implement our philosophy of football. We need to be patient. We will get there and I feel positive about the future.”
Player Updates:
Yusuf Bunting has been loaned to Highlands Park for the season (1 August 2018 to 30 June 2019). We look forward to welcoming you back after you have gained much valuable experience. #HailTheChief #Amakhosi4Life pic.twitter.com/a9Efb6zoQN
— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) August 8, 2018