Kaizer Chiefs defender Solomons believes return to continental football will boost the club – eyes CAF glory - 'We get to put our brand out there again and hopefully we can get into the final and win that one too'

Kaizer Chiefs sealed their return to continental football with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup final.

This win not only ended a decade-long trophy drought but also secured them a spot in the Caf Confederation Cup.

Their last African journey came in 2021 when they reached the CAF Champions League final but lost to Al Ahly.

Defender Dillon Solomons expressed how much the trophy meant to the club, calling it a step toward restoring Amakhosi's pride.

He shared how playing in Caf competitions is a dream for many players and a huge honour for the team.

Solomons also revealed that the club chairman had shown full trust in the players and technical team throughout the season.

That faith was finally rewarded with silverware and continental qualification.

The win has brought renewed belief to the club and its supporters, with hopes of greater success ahead.

“It's huge. It is big for us as a team. It means we will play in Africa, which has been a goal since the start of the season,” Solomons said as reported by Sowetan.

“Obviously, it is not the Champions League, but it is something we get to put our brand out there again and hopefully we can get into the final and win that one too.”

“We wanted it a little bit sooner and this is a good moment for us. It has been a long time since we put smiles on our supporters' faces and we just have to be happy about it,” he said.

“Our chairman has put a lot of trust in us as players and in the technical team, which means a lot to us, and what more can we do to say thank you to the chairman than winning trophies. Hopefully, this is the start of something new for us.

“It feels good and exciting. I think our character pulled us through and a hunger to win this trophy and put a smile on our fans. The drought for 10 years was on us, I think we wanted it more than Pirates,” Solomons said.

Amid speculation that coach Nasreddine Nabi could be leaving at season’s end, Sporting Director Kaizer Motaung Jr. has set the record straight. He confirmed that the Tunisian mentor will remain at the helm for another season.

Motaung Jr. emphasised the importance of stability and continuity in building a winning team.

Nabi himself welcomed the backing, stating that winning the Nedbank Cup has bought him time to continue his long-term project.

The club believes that with patience and the right signings, a new era of dominance can be established.

Kaizer Chiefs now have two crucial games left to play.

They’ll need to collect maximum points to stand a chance of finishing in the top eight.

A strong finish could secure them a spot in the MTN8 and build momentum heading into the next campaign.