Former Kaizer Chiefs striker, Marks Maponyane, has defended Giovanni Solinas for the criticism he has received for the team’s disappointing results.
Following back to back losses, against Orlando Pirates in the Telkom Knockout last weekend, and against Golden Arrows in the Absa Premiership this past weekend, Solinas has been under severe pressure to change the team’s fortunes.
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Although Amakhosi won their CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round first leg match against Zimamoto 4-0 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Tuesday, Solinas’ side could not produce the same kind of performance against Abafana Bes’thende at the Princess Magogo Stadium on Saturday.
The loss was Amakhosi’s fourth of the season from their 14 Absa Premiership matches so far. The team has drawn six and lost four matches so far this season and while many have blamed Solians for the team’s disappointing results, Maponyane says the Italian coach is not to blame for the results.
The South African football legend spoke to Soccer Laduma radio this week about Solinas and Chiefs.
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“It’s not a question of whether Solinas is the right man. The defence has continuously let the team down. You can keep on blaming the coaches; Steve (Komphela) was to blame the last time, now the blame is on the current coach. The problem is the defence, not the coach. The easy way out is to fire the coach. Rather run with him until the end of the season,” said Maponyane.
Maponyane has had more to say about the Italian coach and Amakhosi on Soccer Laduma radio. To listen to the full interview, click on the radio podcast here.