Dillan Solomons tells Kaizer Chiefs to stay focused despite Sundowns and Pirates challenge

Kaizer Chiefs defender Dillan Solomons says the club are monitoring rivals Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates but must concentrate on controlling their own results.

The traditional Big Three have made strong starts to the season, with Sundowns at the top of the log on 19 points. Orlando Pirates are second, six points behind the leaders, while Kaizer Chiefs are third, a further two points adrift.

However, both Pirates and Chiefs have played two matches fewer than Sundowns, leaving the two chasing clubs within reach of the leaders.

Solomons is encouraged by Kaizer Chiefs’ position but stressed that their progress ultimately depends on their own performances. He was speaking before Saturday afternoon’s league meeting with Polokwane City at Peter Mokaba Stadium, which kicks off at 3pm.

“We watch every single game when it comes to the other two teams, but for us, it’s obviously staying on course, knowing our way and doing what we need to do importantly,” Solomons told the Chiefs media department.

“We know what we want to achieve, and we can’t be focusing on other teams. We are all going into a tight schedule come the end of the year. We are going to stay the course and do what we need to do. We’ll focus on what we can control: which is our games.”

Kaizer Chiefs are unbeaten after their opening five matches, with three wins and two draws. Solomons believes that record provides a positive foundation, but he has warned that consistency will be especially important after the forthcoming FIFA international break.

The defender recalled how last season’s promising opening eventually faded after the break.

“In the first five games last season, we were really good and unbeaten,” Solomons said. “It was after the break that things went sideways for us [last season], so for me, this start is really positive. The key now is to come back from the break – which is going to be long – and maintain that consistency. Those are the little things we need to focus on this season.”

Kaizer Chiefs will attempt to extend their momentum against Polokwane City, also known as Rise and Shine, but Solomons expects the hosts to provide a demanding test.

“You can’t take any team for granted when it comes to playing against Chiefs. They step up their game. We, as players, know that every game is going to be a fight. They’ll come at us hard,” he said.

“But every team has strengths and weaknesses. We are focusing on ourselves and what we can do to break down other teams. I think we are managing games better this season, and we are ready for the challenge over the weekend.”