Solinas needs MTN8 success
The pressure on new Kaizer Chiefs coach Giovanni Solinas will hit the red zone if his team fails to sink SuperSport United in the MTN8 semi-finals.
The MTN8 might not offer the most glamour nor the biggest prize-money haul, but it is a highly sought after trophy particularly for coaches with their backs to the wall. Its lustre comes from the fact it takes just four matches to win the title. Any trophy success provides coaches with a much-needed boost, and for those who are under pressure vital breathing space.
Therefore, a twinkling eye on the silverware is understandably coming from Kaizer Chiefs’ new coach Giovanni Solinas, who has seen his side to the worst start of any league season. But he did engineer a convincing 3-0 win over Free State Stars to book a semi-final meeting with holders SuperSport United this weekend.
Solinas already looks a man under a burden of intense pressure, but if he can deliver the trophy for Chiefs, it will break a barren three years without any silverware under his predecessor Steve Komphela and bring much relief to the club - and himself.
Avoiding Cape Town City and Mamelodi Sundowns in the semi-finals is already a boon for Chiefs, who will be away at Atteridgeville in the first leg on Sunday afternoon and then at home at Soccer City in the return leg on 1 September.
SuperSport have set aside a losing start to their season and gone on to beat AmaZulu, Orlando Pirates (on post-match penalties) and Bidvest Wits, but still without much conviction. If ever Chiefs had a chance to get to a cup final, this is it.
Sundowns, despite their hectic schedule, will be fancied against Cape Town City in the other semifinal, even though last season City upset the Brazilians against the odds.
Their tie starts with the first leg in Cape Town on Saturday and the return in Atteridgeville on 2 September.
Sundowns play a key home African Champions League tie between the two semi-final matches, but have such resources now that few can stand in their way, even if they have a relentless schedule.