Kaizer Chiefs news: Cardoso admits Solinas killed his confidence

Kaizer Chiefs defender, Daniel Cardoso was well on his way to becoming the toast Phefeni up until the last 10 minutes of the last Soweto Derby, thanks to his goal which briefly put his side ahead against rivals Orlando Pirates on Saturday.

The 29-year-old displayed great confidence in his ability, when he stepped up to take the penalty that followed a foul on Khama Billiat in front of an 87 000-strong at FNB Stadium, showing nerves of steel as he sent Bucs goalkeeper, Wayne Sandilands the other way for the opening goal.

However, according to the player, that confidence may not have been there if it was not for a change in head coach at the Naturena-based outfit.

Daniel Cardoso: How Giovanni Solinas affected his confidence

Speaking to the media ahead of the Nedbank Cup last-16 clash against The Magic FC, Cardoso revealed that former coach, Giovanni Solinas killed his confidence by constantly leaving him out of the team.

During the Italian’s brief tenure at the club, Chiefs struggled for consistency, winning just four times in 14 league matches.

Having played the full 90 minutes in eight of the first nine league matches in the campaign, Cardoso would later find himself relegated to the bench by Solinas – something he said affected his confidence.

“It was week in and week out when he (Solinas) changed and made changes, and it kills you as a player. It brings your confidence down.

“Since coach, Ernst Middendorp has been here he’s believed in me, and I thought he’s brought my confidence back up. I’m back to where I am, and I’m happy to be playing again.”

Daniel Cardoso

Since the German’s arrival, Cardoso was immediately reinstated back into the starting line-up, and has played the full 90 minutes in all six league games played.