Kaizer Chiefs coach Giovanni Solinas apologised to the Amakhosi faithful after admitting his side lost their concentration in the Soweto derby loss against Orlando Pirates, writes DEAN WORKMAN.

The Soweto giants clashed at the FNB stadium on Saturday and Solinas would have been buoyed after his side took an early 15th minute lead through Khama Billiat, after the Zimbabwean capitalised on a Siyabonga Mpontshane error to tap home into an empty net.

The Buccaneers were then awarded a penalty in the 26th minute when Augustine Mulenga was brought down in the box. Justin Shonga stepped up but had his tame penalty saved by Chiefs keeper Khune.

The penalty miss, however, did not deter Pirates who went onto claim the three points and the bragging rights courtesy of first half goals from Innocent Maela and Vincent Pule.

Speaking after the game to the media, Solinas admitted that his side lost their concentration after a positive start put them in the driving seat.

‘We start the game very well, we scored and lead 1-0.

‘After that we lost concentration, we lost the distance and defensively it was soft.

‘Second half the guys perform very well, we created chance.

‘Congratulations to Pirates for this derby and I apologise to the supporters because when you lose the derby it is painful.

‘I think the second half, the performance was positive, the start (of the game) was positive and now we need to (go back) and understand why we lost our concentration after we scored.

‘You know in the derby, the little things make the difference,’ concluded the Italian.

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