Solinas unfazed by comments
‘FAKE NEWS’: CHIEFS COACH DISMISSES COMMENTS
Amakhosi players do not need any extra motivation ahead of derby.
Kaizer Chiefs coach Giovanni Solinas has brushed away Orlando Pirates assistant coach Rhulani Mokwena’s comments ahead of the Soweto derby at the FNB Stadium on Saturday that Amakhosi miss former mentor Steve Komphela.
Mokwena said: “I think there are two ways to look at it and honestly, for me – and without sounding biased – losing Steve Komphela was a big loss for Chiefs from a technical perspective and the type of leader that he is, as well as the tactical acumen that he possesses.
“I think in that regard if you compare the previous team to this team from an organisational perspective, you can clearly see the lack of a coach of that calibre.”
Solinas was quick to say he is not bothered about Mokwena’s comments and added he doesn’t know Mokwena personally, but respects Bucs head coach Micho Sredojevic.
“I can’t respond to that question, my colleague is Micho. Micho is professional and I am also professional and I respect my colleague,” said the Glamour Boys coach.
“I feel nothing, I feel very good and have no problems. I am not interested in this.
“I don’t know him [Mokwena] personally and maybe a journalist created this.
“It’s very surprising … normally coaches don’t talk in this manner. In my opinion, I think a journalist created this story.”
Asked whether he will use Mokwena’s comments to motivate his players to win the derby, the Italian said his charges do not need extra motivation to come up against Pirates.
“Maybe, but I think the derby is a special game and you don’t need any extra motivation.
“It is a game where psychologically players need to be calm and not have extra pressure.
“The players know what it means to play in the derby.”
Going into his first Soweto derby, Solinas added that it will be a experience to play in front of a huge crowd and pleaded that no violence should take place on the day.
“I have played in front of 80 000 fans, but I have never played in front of 90 000 before, so it will be a good experience,
“I want to enjoy this game. It is a beautiful game and good for South Africa and the supporters.
“I hope there won’t be any violence...
“Chiefs will try to win and Pirates will try to win, so let’s respect each other.”