Ikhtisar Aris Thessaloniki FC

The Soweto giants’ new era under the bright lights of the MTN8 got off to a rocky start, both on the pitch and in the court of public opinion. Following a disappointing 1-0 quarter-final defeat to Golden Arrows, the spotlight has fallen heavily on several Amakhosi individuals, with the early-season setback already raising questions around the team’s progress.

The Brazilians' head coach has shed light on the club's tactical decision to reintegrate the 32-year-old shot-stopper into the first-team squad for the new campaign. After spending four years away on various loan assignments, the Bafana Bafana international is back at Chloorkop to provide elite competition and essential cover.

The French tactician has offered a protective assessment of his squad following their disappointing exit from the MTN8 at the hands of Golden Arrows. The Amakhosi coach refused to lay blame at the feet of individuals after a narrow 1-0 defeat saw their cup ambitions ended at the first hurdle.

Amakhosi returned to the MTN8 Cup competition after missing out for two seasons, but their comeback ended in disappointment as they were knocked out by Abafana Bes'thende. The Soweto giants were left to rue their missed opportunities in the final third, with their lack of cutting edge ultimately costing them dearly and ruling them out of the Wafa Wafa and leaving them without a domestic cup competition to compete for at this stage of the season.