All eyes on Solinas as he returns to Stars

ITALIAN coach Giovanni Solinas has officially returned to Free State Stars to replace Frenchman Denis Lavagne the first coaching casualty in the PSL this season.

The popular likeable Solinas surprisingly left Stars at the end of last season having steered them to a credible 12th place in the league and a competitive 4-2 Nedbank Cup semifinal defeat to Orlando Pirates.

The Italian cited personal reasons for resigning.

Stars sacking of Lavagne and his assistant Phillip Ciccarini last week, after just three games two defeats and a draw came as something of a shock.

However the promptness with which the club has brought back Solinas seems to indicate that the Italian had been contacted before Lavagne s dismissal and was waiting in the wings.

Stars stated on their website on Friday: Free State Stars are delighted to announce the return of former head coach Giovanni Solinas to Goble Park.

Solinas who resigned at the end of last season due to family issues replaces Frenchman Denis Lavagne.

The Italian impressed in his previous stint in Bethlehem and cut a popular figure among the players and club management before his shock resignation.”

The website quotes Stars general manager Rantsi Mokoena as saying: We, as a club, are delighted to reunite with Solinas. He is one of

‚‚‚‚‚‚‚‚‚those coaches respected by many in the football fraternity for his good brand of football.

Solinas was an automatic preference after we parted ways with Lavagne. Our players liked and understood his football philosophy.

With the two-week break before our next match, it will give him ample time to build up a strong team that will, at least, start winning matches starting with our next game against Maritzburg United.

We are happy his family matters are now resolved and he will start his duties immediately.

Themba Sithole who was in charge of the last two matches, will return to his duties at the development team.”

Stars perennial caretaker-coach Sithole oversaw a 0-0 away draw to SuperSport United then a 2-0 home defeat against Kaizer Chiefs on Wednesday night.

Under Lavagne Stars lost 2-1 away to Chippa United drew 0-0 against Bloemfontein Celtic at home and lost 1-0 at home against Lamontville Golden Arrows.

Solinas has to steer Ea Lla Koto, placed 14th on the log, to get their first win of the season.

-# ( # % ( (

‚‚