DURBAN – Giovanni Solinas is not going to throw the towel at Kaizer Chiefs. The Italian has vowed to turn things around at Naturena as the once mighty Amakhosi will end another year without any silverware.
Chiefs were defeated in a fully packed Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban over the weekend. Their 2-1 defeat by Orlando Pirates in the Telkom Knockout Cup semi-final shattered their hopes of getting any silverware. Thembinkosi Lorch and Justin Shonga netted for the Sea Robbers while Leonardo Castro gave Amakhosi the consolation goal.
The embattled Solinas told the media after the game that he is not going to give up.
“We started the season with several goals and objectives. The first one was the MTN8 and now we have lost the opportunity of winning this cup. We are now left with three trophies. We have the league, Caf Confederation Cup and the Nedbank Cup. I will continue fighting. I will continue to work hard. Yes, I’m feeling the pain but I won’t give up,“ Solinas explained.
He has also lost two derbies on his debut season as the coach of Amakhosi. They were also beaten 2-1 in the league.
Giovanni Solinas, coach of Kaizer Chiefs reacts during Saturday’s Telkom Knockout semi-final against Orlando Pirates at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. Photo: Samuel Shivambu/ BackpagePix
“It is painful and I would like to apologise to our supporters. I’m disappointed we lost the derby. I’m not feeling good. I’m feeling the pain. We lost the derby again. We tried to fight and created chances. We win together and we lose together,” he added.
Chiefs have to shift their focus in to the Caf Confederation Cup. They will begin their campaign on Wednesday against Zimamoto of Tanzania.
Chiefs haven’t won any official cup in three seasons and Solinas is under pressure to end that barren run.
“I believe we can change this situation. We also have our plan for the market. I want to tell our supporters not to abandon the club. They must continue to believe in Kaizer Chiefs. I’m sure that in future Chiefs will not disappoint.
“We have our plan to reinforce the team to make Kaizer Chiefs more strong. I work hard every day. I work 10 hours every day. If that is not enough I will work 11 or 12 hours. I take the full responsibility,” Solinas concluded.