Solomons calls for improved Chiefs performances after Siwelele win

Kaizer Chiefs defender Dillan Solomons says the club were dissatisfied with their performance despite ending a run of two successive draws with a 3-2 victory over Siwelele FC.

The Soweto giants secured all three points at Dobsonville Stadium on Sunday evening, but Solomons believes the result was more encouraging than the manner in which it was achieved.

Speaking to the Chiefs media team on Thursday morning, the full-back said the team must become more disciplined defensively and reduce the number of errors they make at the back.

“Getting the result was positive for us but, obviously, the way the game went, we weren’t really happy with it,” Solomons said. “We take the three points because that’s the most important, but the way we present ourselves has to be better than what we showed in that game.”

He added that Chiefs needed to be “more defensively sound” while limiting mistakes, although he felt the side had executed their attacking plan effectively in difficult circumstances.

Solomons said Chiefs had deliberately used three shorter players in advanced positions to retain possession and force the opposition defenders to cover more ground.

“Looking at the circumstances that we had, having three not-so-tall boys in front, but obviously keeping the ball and making the defenders run, that was a tactic and it played off really well,” he said.

The 30-year-old utility player said collecting results remained the priority, but stressed that Chiefs also had to show greater consistency in the way they played. He acknowledged that improvement would take time.

Their next challenge comes against a “very tough” Rise and Shine team in Polokwane, with Solomons expecting a demanding encounter.

“We know it’s not going to be an easy game, going to Polokwane, facing a very tough Polokwane side, but we know what we need to do and I think we’re working well this week,” he said.

Solomons also provided an update on his condition after recently returning from injury. He said he had been managing his recovery carefully and was now feeling fit.

“I think I’m doing good. I’m looking after the body really well, obviously taking the time out to make sure every part of the body is in good shape,” he said.

“There’s a lot of things you can’t control, but the things you can, you have to do really well. So, the body is feeling in good shape and hopefully I can continue to go on.”

Chiefs made a strong start last season too, according to Solomons, remaining unbeaten through their first five games before losing momentum after a break.

He said the club’s priority this season was to maintain that consistency when play resumes following their next long break.

“That’s where we lost our way a bit last season,” Solomons said. “Those moments where we go on breaks and come back have been our kryptonite, where we kind of lose our way.”