Kaizer Chiefs’ Frosler-Leaner clash shows squad passion, says Da Cruz

Kaizer Chiefs captain Inacio Miguel says the confrontation between Reeve Frosler and Renaldo Leaner after their CAF Confederation Cup defeat by Red Arrows was evidence of the team’s passion, rather than a sign of division.

The defender and goalkeeper had to be separated by several team-mates and coach Fernando Da Cruz following Chiefs’ 1-0 loss to Red Arrows in Ndola, Zambia. The result extended their winless run to four matches in all competitions and left them facing a difficult task in the second leg of the group stage playoff qualifier.

The incident prompted suggestions that there could be wider tension between the players and the technical staff, but both Miguel and Da Cruz rejected that interpretation.

Speaking before Friday night’s return leg at Moses Mabhida Stadium, Miguel said the players’ frustration reflected how much the defeat had affected them.

“Personally, I am happy with this kind of behavior; we felt the loss – not just the supporters,” Miguel said. “We also suffer and get frustrated with the result. Unfortunately, it happened on the pitch, but it wasn’t bad for the team – just an exchange of ideas.

“From the footage, people might think it’s a mess inside the dressing room, but it was just a passionate debate that looked like a bigger problem than it was. There wasn’t one.

“For me, I see a solution in that. Sometimes passion has been lacking in past seasons, so we need more of that aggression and desire. Losing a game, especially like this, is unacceptable. I was happy with the incident because the gents were frustrated and disappointed, and we have a chance to turn it around tomorrow.”

Da Cruz, who helped separate Frosler and Leaner, also played down the confrontation and described it as a normal emotional reaction after a match.

“There was no major issue,” Da Cruz said. “We didn’t need to resolve anything. We play an emotional sport, and after a match, emotions run high. It was simply a moment between two players sharing their thoughts. We didn’t need to intervene further because there was no real problem.”

Kaizer Chiefs must overturn the first-leg deficit to progress directly to the group stage. A victory by two or more clear goals would secure their advancement.

If Chiefs win 1-0, the tie will be decided by a penalty shootout. Any other result would see them eliminated from the competition’s group stage.