CAPE TOWN – Kaizer Chiefs coach Giovanni Solinas finally has a reason to smile.
After being in danger of setting a new club record of six matches without a league victory, the Amakhosi broke their duck at last by thrashing Cape Town City 4-1 on Saturday.
The match was still in the balance after the hour mark, with Chiefs 2-1 ahead. But then City defender Taariq Fielies was sent off after receiving a second yellow card, and the Glamour Boys took full advantage.
Zimbabwean star Khama Billiat scored a second goal, and Philani Zulu finished things off to add to earlier strikes by Siyabonga Ngezana and Billiat.
Solinas was also able to unveil his new big-name signing Lebogang Manyama, who pulled the strings in midfield against his former club in front of a boisterous Cape Town Stadium crowd.
“I am happy with my team. Lebo played well. From the bench to the field of play, the spirit was great,” the Italian mentor told the Chiefs website.
“The supporters played a big part in this victory, and we thank them for all the encouragement. I also wish to thank my players for the good result and the excellent performance.
“The best of Kaizer Chiefs is still to come. We used the Fifa international break to fix a lot of areas. The boys worked hard to prepare for this match.”
But now Solinas will be sweating on the fitness of big striker Leonardo Castro, who went off with an ankle injury, ahead of Tuesday’s clash against Free State Stars at Goble Park in Bethlehem (7.30pm kickoff).
Chiefs said on their Twitter page on Monday that Castro did not train with the team in the afternoon, and are awaiting a medical report.
Training done #HailTheChief pic.twitter.com/YtUZ04nlmM