Ex-Kaizer Chiefs boss Giovanni Solinas hails Pitso Mosimane, tips Al Ahly for glory

Solinas, 53, spent five months in charge of Chiefs in 2018 and faced Mosimane whilst he was still in charge of Mamelodi Sundowns in his first game in the hot seat.

In his only other encounter with the Red Devils boss, he lost 5-2 whilst in charge of Free State Stars and the Italian admits that it's his attention to detail that stood out.

"Mosimane is a cunning wolf. He studies every single detail about his opponents. Al Ahly is lucky to have him, and he is lucky to lead such a great team," he told Al Ahly TV.

"Kaizer Chiefs depend on their strong defence, it's their strongest point. They will surely try to rely on playing on the counter which will be a problem for Al Ahly."

11. Solinas (2018) - 35% wins: 20 games – 7 wins, 7 draws, 6 defeats

10. Komphela (15-18) – 41% wins: 113 games – 46 wins, 42 draws, 25 defeats

9. Ertugral (07-09) – 42% wins: 72 games – 30 wins, 22 draws, 20 defeats

8. Middendorp (05-07) – 45% wins: 67 games – 30 wins, 24 draws, 13 defeats

7. Ertugral (99-02) – 49% wins: 132 games – 65 wins, 39 draws, 28 defeats

6. Khuse/Khumalo (02-03) – 50% wins: 28 games – 14 wins, 8 draws, 6 defeats

5. Middendorp (18-20) 52% wins: 60 games – 31 wins, 12 draws, 17 defeats

4. Vladimir Vermezovic (09-12) – 53% wins: 111 games – 59 wins, 28 draws, 24 losses

3. Dolezar (97-99) – 58% wins: 90 games – 52 wins, 24 draws, 14 defeats

2. Dumitru (03-05) – 61% wins: 76 games – 46 wins, 22 draws, 8 defeats

1. Baxter (12-15) – 62% wins: 123 games – 76 wins, 27 draws, 20 defeats

12. Hunt (2020 - 2021) - 27% wins: 44 games - 12 wins, 17 draws, 15 defeats

When pressed on who he feels will when the title, Solinas said the Red Devils are favourites but Chiefs win over Wydad AC showcases they are capable of pulling off an upset.

"Al Ahly has higher chances in winning the title, but Kaizer Chiefs knocked out Wydad Casablanca," he said. "They are not to be underestimated, it won't be a walk in the park for Al Ahly."

Amakhosi and The Club of the Century will face off in the once-off final at the Stade Mohamed V in Casablanca on 17 July.

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