Miguel says Chiefs confrontation showed passion after Red Arrows defeat

Kaizer Chiefs vice-captain Inacio Miguel has defended the heated exchange between Renaldo Leaner and Reeve Frosler, saying it was evidence of the team’s desire to win rather than a sign of unrest within the dressing room.

The pair appeared to confront one another after Kaizer Chiefs’ 1-0 CAF Confederation Cup defeat by Red Arrows in Ndola, Zambia. Footage of the incident prompted concern among supporters, with some questioning whether there were divisions within the Amakhosi camp.

Miguel, however, said the reaction came from the players’ disappointment at the result and welcomed the emotion shown by his team-mates.

“Yeah, I saw the images; everybody saw them. Personally, I’m happy with this kind of behaviour; it feels like we felt the loss,” said Miguel.

“Not only our supporters, not only our fans. We also suffer; we also get frustrated and disappointed with the results.”

The defender said the disagreement was an exchange of views that had been taken out of context once it became public.

“Unfortunately, it’s something that happened in the field. But obviously we have all the people inside our changing room. It’s nothing bad for the team; it’s just a changing of ideas,” he said.

“Obviously, with the image, with the footage, people think outside the changing room it’s a mess. No, it’s just a changing of ideas.”

Miguel acknowledged that the incident might have appeared more serious to those who saw only the footage, but insisted it did not indicate a problem between the players.

“Unfortunately, it came outside like we were having a problem. But it’s not a problem,” he said.

Instead, Miguel argued that Kaizer Chiefs needed more of that intensity, particularly after what he described as a lack of aggression during the past three seasons.

“Obviously, for me, I see the solution is that behaviour, that passion that we need. Sometimes it’s lacking. In the past three seasons, I feel like we need more of that; we need more aggression.

“We need to be more passionate about the result. Losing a game, especially a game like this, is never good. I was happy with that incident.”

Miguel said the confrontation underlined how frustrated and disappointed the squad was after the defeat, while also pointing to the opportunity to respond immediately.

“Just to tell you that the gents were frustrated and disappointed. We have a chance tomorrow [today, Friday] to change it.”