Kaizer Chiefs utility player Reeve Frosler says they are using Tuesday’s Carling Knockout first-round tie against TS Galaxy to build momentum for the Soweto Derby showdown with Orlando Pirates on Saturday.
Stung by last Friday’s exit from the CAF Confederation Cup, as well as a five-match winless streak, Chiefs host TS Galaxy at FNB Stadium. Elimination from the continental competition by Zambian side Red Arrows FC saw more pressure mounting on coach Fernando da Cruz.
The Soweto giants now seek redemption in Tuesday’s assignment against an equally embattled TS Galaxy, who have lost their last three Betway Premiership matches after a draw before the losing run.
The Rockets match comes four days before Amakhosi clash with their arch rivals Pirates in the Soweto Derby. Losing on Tuesday would take Chiefs’ winless run to six games, and that is something they would want to avoid going into Saturday’s traditional fixture.
TS GALAXY TIE KEY FOR CHIEFS AHEAD OF SOWETO DERBY VS ORLANDO PIRATES
After being dumped out of the Confederation Cup by Red Arrows, Chiefs management threw its weight behind Da Cruz. That means the Frenchman must repay his bosses’ faith by beating TS Galaxy and winning the Soweto Derby.
“It’s disappointing falling out of the CAF competition. The guys did well to try and get back after the first leg in Zambia, but it just wasn’t meant to be,” Frosler told Chiefs’ media team.
“Obviously, we’ve got the [Soweto] Derby coming up on the weekend as well, but our attention is on TS Galaxy now and will use the game as preparation for Saturday.”
REEVE FROSLER SPELLS OUT CHIEFS’ CARLING KNOCKOUT AMBITIONS
As Chiefs try to turn talk about their current form into positive narratives, Frosler is not shy about declaring Amakhosi’s intentions in the Carling Knockout. Chiefs last won the tournament in 2010, when it was still the Telkom Knockout Cup.
The Glamour Boys remain the most successful team in this competition with 13 titles, ahead of Mamelodi Sundowns, who have claimed it four times.
“TS Galaxy have been a tough opponent for us in the last few games. But it’s a cup competition and cup games are always different,” Frosler said.
“We’ll look to put our best foot forward on Tuesday and try and go all the way in the Carling Cup. We have ambitions of wanting to win a trophy, and this gives us an opportunity to try and do that.”
RELATED STORY: Kaizer Chiefs’ injury nightmare: 20 players sidelined in Da Cruz’s first three months
