Why Solinas flopped – Parker
Striker says results were not forthcoming
Veteran Kaizer Chiefs striker Bernard Parker admits that things were not going in the right direction under coach Giovanni Solinas. Chiefs took a decision to fire their coach early into the season last week.
The Italian and his assistant Patrick Mabedi were released, with German Ernst Middendorp and Shaun Bartlett replacing them. Solinas had lost two Soweto derbies to Orlando Pirates and had a record of seven wins, eight draws and seven losses in all competitions. “As you have seen with the previous coach, the results were not coming. The performance was here and there but it was not consistent,” Parker said. “The fans weren’t happy and the club had to make a decision.” The former Bafana Bafana star conceded that the squad has been rejuvenated by the appointment of Middendorp. “There has been a spark of energy and that is what we need. We have had a positive response from players trying to prove themselves to the new coach. Everyone is on their toes to give a good competition to teammates. It’s normal for players to want to impress a new coach.” Amakhosi have collected 18 points from 14 games under Solinas in the league. Middendorp has 16 matches to spark Chiefs into a title charge in the Absa Premiership. The Nedbank Cup and CAF Confederation Cup are the other two remaining titles on offer this season.
Chiefs will play their first match under Middendorp in the league tonight against SuperSport at Mbombela Stadium (7.30pm). Parker said: “As a team we know our opponents very well and know that they have been doing well under their new coach. We are eager and we are at a step where we want to step forward.”
‘‘ As you have seen ... the results were not coming