Kaizer Chiefs coach Arthur Zwane has discussed the performance of Erik Mathoho and Dillan Solomons in the Soweto Derby, saying the latter completely silenced Monnapule Saleng in the second half.
The Amakhosi lost to their bitter rivals 6-5 on penalties after S’fiso Hlanti missed his spot-kick.
Chiefs’ defence was reshuffled after fans voted the likes of Mathoho and Njabulo Ngcobo into the starting XI and Zwane was later asked whether he has found his perfect centre-back pairing yet.
He insisted that Mathoho definitely proved that he still has what it takes, while also praising Solomons for his performance against in-form Pirates winger Saleng. Solomons entered the pitch in the 51st minute, while Saleng was only taken off in the 90th.
“The selection becomes tougher and tougher,” he told reporters.
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“You look at how Tower played today, I think if you look back he hasn’t played this season, he went in there and led by example. He’s one of our seniors as well, so I’m also happy.
“But it tells you what I said about our boys in terms of the dedication and commitment, which is very, very key for us.
“And it’s competition for places. We always look for the best central pairing and that can also give us that balance when it comes to our full-backs because we also want to attack as a team.
“You could see when Solomons went in, there was no more, I couldn’t see Saleng, maybe he was substituted, because now it was pound for pound.
“And we know that he can’t defend on his side, so Soli can always go forward.
“I think we have too many good players. It’s only a matter of time and also to get the combinations right and the confidence of players.
“We’re on the right track, when you look at the players that we’ve brought in, it was always going to be difficult because Kaizer Chiefs is no child’s play, Kaizer Chiefs is a huge brand.
“These players I didn’t even expect them to have settled by now and they have settled. So I’m so proud of them. Yes we want to go out and compete and in the end of the day we will choose anyone who is available for selection and is fully fit and also mentally ready, we’ll give them the opportunity to play.”
