Solomons not getting carried away

Boebie Solomons says he is not getting carried away by the dream start to his job at Polokwane City as he prepares to face Kaizer Chiefs in the Absa Premiership tonight.

Sunday’s comprehensive 3-0 victory over University of Pretoria means Solomons has suffered just a single defeat in his five games in charge of the side to date, a run that includes another victory over Mamelodi Sundowns, the only team to defeat the league leaders in the PSL so far this season.

It has lifted City to within a point of the top eight, but Solomons says the club is still only thinking about survival this season.

“The mandate is survival in the PSL and how we achieve that is another matter, if we make it into the top eight then so be it,” Solomons says. “But we are not raising our hopes too soon, we are taking things step-by-step and still working on a lot of aspects of our play.

“What has been much better in the last few games is how we retain possession of the ball, that was a big area of concern.”

Having also gained a point away at BidVest Wits in Solomons’ first game in charge, his side is growing a reputation as one that relishes meeting the so-called ‘bigger’ clubs.

“We respect Kaizer Chiefs, but do not fear them,” Solomons says. “I think you find it just about everywhere that when you play the big clubs the players raise their level of performance. We have some confidence now and that will be another factor.

“But having said that, they are a quality team, they have internationals in almost every position. We are working on a few things though and if the players continue to put into practice what we are teaching them in training then we have a good chance.”

City have already been beaten by Chiefs this season, they were outclassed in a 3-0 loss in the first round of the Telkom Knockout in October, the match that preceded the arrival at the club of Solomons from his position as assistant coach at Bloemfontein Celtic.