Da Cruz backs Frosler’s midfield role as Chiefs deal with injuries

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz has defended his decision to use Reeve Frosler in midfield, saying injuries and the absence of key players left the club with limited options.

Frosler started in the centre of the pitch during Chiefs’ 1-1 draw with Stellenbosch FC on Tuesday night. The result was their fifth draw in eight matches this season.

Lebohang Maboe, Siphesihle Ndlovu and Adolf Mtasingwa were unavailable in the holding midfield positions, prompting Da Cruz to move Frosler from his usual role. The coach believes the player’s versatility made him the most logical choice.

“We already tried Reeve [Frosler] in preseason. The best quality Reeve has is that he is able to play in different positions, so it is very interesting for him. He also has a good header, which was shown against Stellenbosch. We also have two injured players in this position, so we don’t have a lot of choices. The other choices we had were young players, but we preferred to start with Reeve in this position,” said Da Cruz.

Frosler’s ability to operate in several positions was central to the decision, while his aerial strength was also highlighted by Da Cruz after the match. The coach said the alternative options available to him included younger players, but the club chose to begin with the more experienced Frosler.

There was uncertainty around Da Cruz’s absence from the post-match news conference following the draw. He was reported to have been taken ill, with assistant coach Dillon Sheppard speaking to the media in his place.

However, the Frenchman returned to his duties yesterday and explained what had happened.

Chiefs were drawn against TS Galaxy in the first round of the Carling Knockout last night, giving Da Cruz another competition in which to manage his squad during a demanding period.

The tournament comes with Chiefs facing a busy schedule, including the much-anticipated and sold-out Soweto Derby at the end of this month. Da Cruz regards the Carling Cup as an opportunity for the club to compete for honours, but he said his players must concentrate on the next fixture rather than look too far ahead.

The coach also declined to comment on the circumstances surrounding Faiz Abrahams’ withdrawal from the starting line-up against Stellenbosch. Chiefs discovered that a clause in the player’s agreement prevented him from facing his parent club, leading to his removal from the team.

Da Cruz opted not to discuss that incident when asked about it.