Mokwena pointed out that Amakhosi lack the tactical acumen of former coach Steve Komphela, saying “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."
Mokwena also said: “In the playing personnel that they have they have made huge strides. They have improved drastically. The acquisitions that they have made have probably covered for the lack of tactical expertise on the bench, that was there last season."
Solinas, though, decided not to respond publicly to Mokwena's utterances.
"I can't respond to this question. My colleague is 'Micho' [Milutin Sredojevic]. He is professional and I am professional. I respect my colleague. I feel very good," the Italian coach said.
"Maybe [it could be mind games], but I have no interest in this. The Derby is a game where you need to be psychologically calm because the players know what it means. We need to focus more on specific details.
"I don't know him [Mokwena], but maybe also the journalist create this because it's a surprise. Coaches don't normally talk like this."
The Soweto giants lock horns at FNB Stadium on Saturday (15h30).