Kaizer Chiefs coach Giovanni Solinas and attacker Khama Billiat were rewarded with Coach and Player of the Month awards respectively after winning all games their games in September 2018.
After failing to win a single game in August, Amakhosi turned things around and won all their Absa Premiership games in September.
Solinas coached Chiefs started the month a a spectacular fasion with an impressive 4-1 win against Cape Town City at the Cape Town stadium. Two days later, they traveled to Bethlehem and collected three more points after beating Free State Starts 2-0 despite making as many as seven changes from the team that beat City in the previous game. Chiefs closed off a great month by defeating AmaZulu 2-0 at FNB stadium.
The Italian-born coach was rewarded for guiding his side to these three consecutive wins in an unbeaten month for the Amakhosi. Solinas’ side only conceded once and scored eight goals during the period. The panel of judges, made up of sporting media, analysts and former players, applauded Solinas for having inspired his side during the FIFA international break, improving his defence and maintaining winning performances despite his rotation policy.
Other coaches who were mentioned for the good performances during the month included Kaitano Tembo of SuperSport United, Polokwane City’s Josef Vukusic and Orlando Pirates’ Miluton Sredojevic.
Meanwhile, Billiat, who recently joined Kaizer Chiefs from Mamelodi Sundowns, has been rewarded for his two goals and two assists in the three matches the club played in September. Billiat scored a double against Cape Town City and created a goal each in the wins over Free State Stars and AmaZulu. The judges felt Billiat hugely impressed with his performances over the last month and was a key player in Chiefs’ exciting attacking display.
Orlando Pirates’ midfielder Vincent Pule and Jabulani Maluleke, the Polokwane City captain, were also praised for their individual brilliance and contributions to their respective club’s fortunes during the month.
Solinas and Billiat will each receive R5 000 from Absa, proud sponsors of the Absa Premiership. Absa congratulates both the coach and player on winning their respective accolades for September.
Written by: Diski Voice
