JOHANNESBURG – Kaizer Chiefs coach Giovanni Solinas has said that the bumpy and uneven pitch at the Makhulong Stadium stifled his side’s attacking style of play in the goalless draw against Highlands Park on Tuesday night.
The Italian, however, insisted that this was not an excuse – just merely chief among the reasons why Amakhosi struggled in Tembisa.
“Both teams played well, but for us it was difficult because the dimensions of the field is small. The grass (pitch) is no good, I don’t know why they didn’t cut it,” Solinas said post the Absa Premiership stalemate.
“So for us to play our usual combinations was difficult today. We created the chances to win the game. It’s a pity we didn’t convert these chances. But I am happy because my players tried until the last minute to win the game. I think the result is fair.”
Solinas said that the pitch conditions were chief among the reasons why Amakhosi struggled in Tembisa. Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
His explanation of why players like Khama Billiat and Lebogang Manyama found it difficult to link up and put Highlands under pressure was understandable until Solinas got irritated when reminded that not every match will be played on a surface that suits Chiefs.
“Guys, this is not an excuse. But we are in the Premier League, so we need a good field if you want to watch a good game,” the coach reasoned. “If you want to watch an amateur game, then ok, we will play long balls – like amateurs. But if you want to see a good game we need a good field.
It’s not an excuse, Highlands Park deserve the result, it’s fair. I was only explaining that my team tried to play (good) football. My team tried to keep the ball low on the ground, but the ground is no good. Please, no more questions about the grass.”
The draw meant Chiefs moved up to second place behind log leaders Bidvest Wits, who beat Cape Town City away on Tuesday night.
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IOL Sport