Kaizer Chiefs are looking to end their winless run and regain confidence when they face TS Galaxy in the first round of the Carling Knockout on Tuesday at FNB Stadium.
Utility player Reeve Frosler says the match will also help prepare the team for Saturday’s Soweto Derby against arch-rivals Orlando Pirates.
Chiefs enter the fixture after being eliminated from the CAF Confederation Cup by Zambia’s Red Arrows FC last Friday. The result extended their winless streak to five matches and increased pressure on head coach Fernando da Cruz.
The club’s management has continued to back the French coach following the continental exit, leaving the team under pressure to produce improved results in its upcoming fixtures.
Frosler Says Chiefs Must Focus on TS Galaxy First
Frosler acknowledged the disappointment of leaving the CAF Confederation Cup but said the team had to concentrate on its next assignment rather than look too far ahead to the 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 the club’s media team.
He added that although the Soweto Derby was approaching, the team’s immediate attention was on TS Galaxy.
“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.”
A defeat on Tuesday would extend Chiefs’ winless run to six matches, making the Carling Knockout fixture an important opportunity to improve their form before facing Pirates.
TS Galaxy Also Looking to End Poor Run
TS Galaxy arrive at FNB Stadium after a difficult spell in the Betway Premiership, having lost their last three matches following a draw.
The Rockets have also proved challenging opponents for Chiefs in recent meetings, according to Frosler.
However, the Kaizer Chiefs player said the cup competition presented a different challenge and offered his team an opportunity to advance.
“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,” he said.
Chiefs Set Sights on Carling Knockout Trophy
Frosler also made clear that Kaizer Chiefs intend to compete for the Carling Knockout title as they seek to end their trophy drought in the competition.
The club last won the tournament in 2010, when it was known as the Telkom Knockout Cup.
Chiefs have won the competition 13 times, making them its most successful team. Mamelodi Sundowns are next with four titles.
Frosler said the players wanted to make the most of the opportunity to win silverware.
“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,” he said.
Soweto Derby Adds Pressure to Chiefs’ Schedule
The meeting with TS Galaxy comes four days before Chiefs face Orlando Pirates in one of South African football’s biggest fixtures.
The back-to-back matches give Da Cruz’s side an opportunity to respond to its recent results before taking on its Soweto rivals.
Chiefs will first need to overcome TS Galaxy in the Carling Knockout if they are to begin rebuilding momentum ahead of Saturday’s derby.
