Having arrived at Naturena at the start of the season, Solinas walked out into his first Soweto spectacle on Saturday as Orlando Pirates and Amakhosi locked horns for South Africa’s premier Derby between the two biggest clubs in the country.
Though it ended in disappointment as far as the result went for the Italian, it was surely an experience to savour in front of a crowd of around 86 000 at the esteemed FNB Stadium.
Well, not as far as the former Free State Stars mentor is concerned. He quickly denied that this had been his first Derby and pointed to his winning record in the Free State derby in defence.
“I don’t know about this [first Derby], but, for example, I participated in the derby in Free State – against Bloemfontein. I participated in two derbies and won two derbies,” Solinas argued.
“You can check, please. Free State Stars vs Celtic – 1-0, and also in the second derby we won the derby. Guys, a derby is a derby. It’s a special game.
“Today we lost this Derby, but Pirates was not dominating the Derby. Yes, Pirates scored two goals, they exploited the situation and details but the performance of my team in the second half was okay.”
Furthermore, Solinas conceded that improvement is needed from The Glamour Boys' end, both from the players and coaches’ perspectives, but insisted they’re “not sleeping” as they increase their efforts.
“Yes, we need to improve. Also, as the coaches we need to improve. But we work hard for Kaizer Chiefs, we are not sleeping,” he said.
“Every day we work hard to try and rectify our mistakes and try to improve, and to put Kaizer Chiefs in the position that the club deserves.
“I am sure that with time, and in the future, Kaizer Chiefs will get there.”