Versatile Kaizer Chiefs defender Dillan Solomons has conceded it is an uphill task to get their minds off the Nedbank Cup final against old rivals Orlando Pirates.
The Glamour Boys set up the Soweto derby finale after defying the odds to beat Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 in the semi-final played at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium. The Sea Robbers advanced with a 1-0 victory against Marumo Gallants at the Orlando Stadium.
Amakhosi have gone a decade without winning silverware, which explains the excitement among players and the fans. However, they also have a massive task of ensuring they don't finish outside the top eight, which will lock them out of the MTN8 next season.
‘We need to go there and show confidence'
Before the Nedbank Cup final, Chiefs have Premier Soccer League games against Marumo Gallants and Pirates, respectively.
“It's difficult [to fully focus on the league games before the Nedbank final], obviously, you're naturally focused on the final. Any human being would be excited for that moment, but it's just how you prepare mentally for every game,” Solomons stated.
“The way I see it, we can use those games [against Gallants and Pirates in the league] as a momentum builder going into the final. It's not easy games obviously; Marumo are not an easy team, people always think they're an easy team, but they are not an easy team. And then we've got the league derby before the big one, it's a game we need to go out there and show confidence if you want to go to the final and win it.
People expected us to be better than last season and it didn't happen. As players, we have to take responsibility and we have to say that inconsistency is on us. We can't blame other people. We have to show that we can do it in these last few games, show people what we are about,” the 28-year-old concluded.
