Solomons Addresses Chiefs’ Pursuit Of Sundowns And Pirates
Kaizer Chiefs defender Dillan Solomons has admitted that Amakhosi are keeping a close eye on title rivals Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates, but insisted their primary focus remains on controlling their own destiny at the top of the table.
Chiefs currently sit third in the Betway Premiership standings with 11 points from five matches. They trail the two heavyweights who have shared the last nine league titles—a run that saw Pirates break Sundowns’ league monopoly last season.
Sundowns surged six points clear at the summit after reaching 19 points from seven matches, courtesy of a comfortable 3-0 victory over Siwelele at Loftus Versfeld on Wednesday.
Second-placed Orlando Pirates sit six points back but hold two games in hand due to their CAF Champions League commitments, where they faced La Cure Waves of Mauritius last weekend. The Buccaneers will pause domestic action this weekend to host the Mauritian side in the second leg at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Sundowns could extend their lead at the top to nine points if they defeat Chippa United at Buffalo City Stadium on Saturday.
For Kaizer Chiefs, fresh off a victory against Siwelele over the weekend, a win against Polokwane City at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday would elevate them into second place ahead of Pirates, albeit having played one game more.
Staying within touching distance keeps Chiefs in a prime position to capitalize on any slip-ups by the top two, especially with a high-stakes Soweto Derby against Pirates looming at FNB Stadium on 19 October.
“You obviously watch every single game when it comes to the other two teams,” said Solomons.
“But for us, it is to stay on course, do what we need to do first, and know our way. Obviously, we want to achieve good things with the club, and that is something we are going to do.
“We can’t focus on what other teams are doing. Yes, we are all going to have a tight schedule coming close to the end of the year.
“But for us, it is to stay on course, knowing what we need to do and focusing on what we can control, and that is our game. Whatever they do on their side, they do, and we are here to focus on ourselves, focus on our team.”
