September 10, 19:30IOL

Kaizer Chiefs defender Dylan Solomon urges team to focus on own results

Kaizer Chiefs defender Dylan Solomon emphasized that while the team closely monitors rivals such as Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates, it must maintain a strict focus on its own performance.

Betway Premiership

Solomon noted that Amakhosi are observing their long-time competitors but remain fully concentrated on improving their game in every match. At the start of the season, the traditional 'Big Three' met expectations. Mamelodi Sundowns leads the table with 19 points, six points ahead of Orlando Pirates. Orlando Pirates is in second place, two points ahead of Chiefs, who are in third place. Furthermore, both Pirates and Chiefs have two matches behind Sundowns.

Although Solomon is pleased that Amakhosi remain within reach of the leaders, he recognizes that the responsibility lies with them, as they can only control their own destiny. 'We watch every match involving the other two teams, but for us, it is clear that we need to stay on course, know our path, and do what is necessary, which is important,' Solomon told the Chiefs media department ahead of Saturday's match against Polokwane City at Peter Mokaba Stadium at 3:00 PM.

He added that the team knows what it wants to achieve and cannot afford to focus on other clubs. 'We will all enter a tight schedule by the end of the year. We will stick to the course and do what we need to do. We will focus on what we can control: our matches.'

Solomon is satisfied with the team's unbeaten start, having secured three wins and two draws in the first five games. However, he urged his teammates towards consistency, especially after the upcoming FIFA international break. 'In the first five games of last season, we were really good and unbeaten,' recalled Solomon. 'After the break, things went wrong for us [last season], so this start is very positive for me. The key now is to return after the break—which will be long—and maintain this stability. These are the small details we need to focus on this season.'

Chiefs are set to continue building momentum against Rise and Shine on Saturday, but Solomon anticipates a tough challenge in Polokwane. 'You cannot take any team for granted when it comes to playing against Chiefs. They raise their level of play. As players, we know that every match will be a fight. They will come at us strongly,' Solomon added. He concluded that every team has its strengths and weaknesses, and they are focused on themselves and what they can do to overcome other teams. 'I think that this season we manage matches better, and we are ready for the challenge this weekend.'

Similar stories

iol.co.zaSeptember 9, 20:00

Young player Kaizer Chiefs revealed the secret instruction behind his spectacular free-kick

Faiz Abrahams shared information about the secret to the goal he scored for Kaizer Chiefs against Siwelele. He revealed that his coach, Wandile Duba, gave him a specific instruction during the preparation for the kick.

Spectacular Strike

The 21-year-old Abrahams came on as a substitute, making only his second appearance for the Amakhosi team, and demonstrated a brilliant moment by scoring the decisive goal in Chiefs' 3-2 victory in the Betway Premiership on Sunday at Dobsonville stadium.

When the score was 2-1 and Chiefs were leading in the 76th minute, they were awarded a free-kick deep in Siwelele's territory, midway between the left sideline and the penalty area. As Abrahams prepared to take responsibility, Wandile Duba gave him a simple instruction.

Abrahams told the club's media department: 'When I went to take the free-kick, (Wandile) Duba told me not to pass the ball to anyone, but to try and shoot.' This advice proved effective. Abrahams softly struck the ball with his technical right foot, curving it into the far corner of the goal. The ball first hit the post and then bounced into the net past Siwelele's goalkeeper, Samukelo Khulu, increasing Chiefs' lead to 3-1.

Despite Siwelele managing to score a late consolation goal, Abrahams' strike proved decisive, as Chiefs maintained their victory. For the young player, this was a reward for the hard work he has put in since joining the club. He noted: 'It was great because I worked very hard.'

Abrahams intends to use this moment as a springboard to cement his place in the Chiefs squad, rather than letting this happen once. He stated: 'I will just keep working hard and giving my all in training. I aim to maintain consistency and always keep my level of performance.'

This goal also boosted his confidence ahead of an important upcoming Betway Premiership match where Chiefs will play against Polokwane City on Saturday. Abrahams notes that match planning remains with coach Fernando da Cruz, but is confident that the players are ready to follow instructions. 'The coach will develop the plan for this weekend, and we will go out and execute it,' he added. The match will start at 15:00 at the old Peter Mokaba stadium.

iol.co.zaSeptember 3, 15:15

Kaizer Chiefs defender Zita Qwinnika states that young players are ready to take responsibility for the club

Kaizer Chiefs defender Zita Qwinnika expressed confidence that the club's young footballers are capable of shouldering the burden of representing one of South Africa's largest football clubs. He noted that there are no 'small players' at the club.

INTERNAL FOOTBALL

In the current season, Asanele Velebayi and Luke Bartman stand out as bright young stars at Kaizer Chiefs. Qwinnika believes that the club's youth is ready to bear the responsibility associated with playing for one of South Africa's leading clubs.

This season, the Chiefs management has increasingly assigned attacking tasks to young players; five of the team's eight goals were scored by players aged 22 or under. This approach is also reflected in the recruitment work, as Fernando da Cruz continues to shape the squad.

However, this strategy raises questions about whether the team can maintain its progress by relying on players whose careers are still in the formative stages. Nevertheless, Qwinnika asserts that age should not determine a player's ability to play for Amakhosi.

He emphasized: 'There are no small players at Kaizer Chiefs; it is Kaizer Chiefs, and they know about this responsibility (which comes with it).' The defender believes that joining Chiefs immediately changes expectations from a player, regardless of their experience or age.

'We move away from the mentality of small and big players; we are all here to represent (the club), and we all know what is required. As soon as you sign a contract, you are told what is at stake and what is required of you to survive here,' he added.

The young players of Chiefs have already made an impression this season. Notable among them are Langelihle Phili, Luke Bartman, Mduduzi Shabalaala, and Mfundu Vilakazi, who frequently feature in Da Cruz's plans. Phili, who moved to Chiefs from Stellenbosch, has already scored in the Betway Premier League, and Bartman and Shabalaala have also contributed to the attack.

Qwinnika is convinced that the youth understands that playing for Chiefs is more than just an opportunity to gain experience. 'These are big guys; they are here working for their families and know what it takes to represent the badge.'

The defender's comments highlight a changing approach in Naturena, where young players are not just brought into the first team but are expected to make an immediate contribution. For Da Cruz, this trust has also given the team a different dynamic as Chiefs strives to build a collective capable of competing on multiple fronts. Given that five of the eight goals have already been scored by players under 22, early data suggests that the youth is meeting the responsibility placed upon them.