Chiefs managed to secure two away goals as they drew 2-2 with SuperSport in the first leg of their MTN8 semi-final.
Amakhosi conceded two goals in the first stanza that appeared to be individual mistakes but Solinas was not pointing fingers and saw the positives of two away goals.
“I’m very happy about the performance. In my opinion we played very well, maybe first half no,” the Italian said to SuperSport TV after the match.
“In the first half the players were not brave. They played to be afraid. In the second half we played our football, the passing game with courage. We scored and created a lot of chances. I’m very happy because in my opinion we played a brilliant game.”
The former Free State Stars tactician went on to explain how he tweaked his formation in the second stanza in response to Matsatsantsa also changing their system.
“In the second half SuperSport changed their formation. They changed their shape, they played a 4-4-2 they put the second striker in the centre. So in this situation we need more cover in the central area. I spoke with my midfielders that we need to protect our central defenders. They did a very good job,” he said.
The Italian further said that Khama Billiat is the best player in the PSL in his opinion and he’s happy the former Mamelodi Sundowns forward got on the scoresheet.
“Khama is the best player in the PSL in my opinion. Khama and Castro are the best players. I like them. We have two very good strikers. I’m very happy that Khama scored because the goal will bring confidence.”
Solinas concluded by saying that he’s optimistic of a better result in the second leg and lamented their first half performance.
“In the first half we lost our shape. We lost the space and SuperSport exploited this space. Too much soft defensive job. But in the second half the team changed their mentality.
“I’m an optimist but the road is still long. The job is not finished we need to play the second leg. It’s going to be a difficult game because SuperSport fights. They’re very strong,” he concluded.