Solinas has joined Chiefs on a two-year deal with a one-year option, returning to South Africa after two short spells at Free State Stars.
The Italian tactician takes over from Komphela, who led the club through a turbulent three years and failed to deliver silverware before being pushed out by fed up supporters in April.
In Solinas, Amakhosi have left a faction of supporters in shock as to why the club opted for someone with a barren track record.
However, Motaung has since outlined the decision taken by management, explaining that his previous experience in the PSL and in Africa with ES Setif is what convinced them.
“We always look at what a coach can do and we believe that, with Solinas, we have brought in a person with the right mechanism and energy to do well,” Motaung said in a club statement.
“We also looked at recruiting a coach who understands our league, and somebody who can help us do well on the African continent, as we will be participating in the Confederations Cup.
“It’s important to understand that the game of football has become very scientific, which means that the strength of the coach is in the technical team around him.
“Even though he will, of course, always be the one in charge, we feel that Solinas is the right guy to guide this process.”