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Cape Town - Kaizer Chiefs coach Giovanni Solinas admitted the absence of their fans at the Moses Mabhida Stadium was a "big factor" in the 0-0 draw with Chippa United on Saturday.
Amakhosi were unable to capitalise on the goalless stalemate between title rivals Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates after they too played out to the same scoreline against the Chilly Boys.
Solinas felt that fatigue had played a part in Durban, but insisted the empty stadium had a bigger impact on the result as Chiefs had no supporters to cheer them on due the game taking place behind closed doors.
The Italian expressed his relief that the two-match ban has now been served and the fans can look forward to getting behind their beloved team when the domestic action resumes after the international break.
"I am glad this game was the last of playing in an empty stadium," Solinas said after the Premiership clash.
"Our supporters are a big factor. They help the players raise their game and play at a high tempo. We missed them here tonight but there's nothing we could do about it."
Commenting on their performance, he added: "I am disappointed with the result, although we faced a Chippa United that did well and, as a result, was always going to be difficult to beat.
"We have played three games in six days. We tried to rotate some players, but you can't make too many changes to the team.
"It is a positive that we didn't lose this match. A loss going would have had a negative impact on the team before the Telkom Knockout semi-final (against Pirates). I'm also happy we didn't concede a goal."
