Frosler calls on Kaizer Chiefs to refocus on Carling Knockout after CAF exit

Kaizer Chiefs defender Reeve Frosler says the club must put their disappointing CAF Confederation Cup exit behind them as they begin their Carling Knockout campaign against TS Galaxy on Tuesday.

Chiefs were eliminated from the continental competition on penalties last Friday, despite beating Red Arrows 1-0 at Moses Mabhida Stadium. The victory levelled the preliminary-round tie at 1-1 on aggregate, but the Soweto club’s campaign ended in the subsequent shootout.

They now have an immediate opportunity to challenge for silverware when they face TS Galaxy in the Carling Knockout last-16 at FNB Stadium.

“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 official website.

“But now our full focus goes onto the Carling Cup.”

A win against TS Galaxy would send Kaizer Chiefs into the quarter-finals and keep alive their hopes of adding another trophy to their cabinet this season.

Frosler accepts the Rockets have presented a difficult challenge in recent meetings, but believes the knockout format gives his side the chance to make a fresh start.

“TS Galaxy have been a tough opponent for us in the last few games,” he said.

“But it’s a cup competition and cup games are always different. 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.”

The match begins a significant week for Kaizer Chiefs, who are due to face Orlando Pirates in the Soweto Derby just days later.

Despite the importance of that fixture, Frosler says the team will not allow the derby to divert their attention from Tuesday’s tie. He also views the meeting with TS Galaxy as useful preparation for the weekend contest.

“Obviously, we’ve got the 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,” he said.

Chiefs must first overcome TS Galaxy before they can turn their focus fully towards Orlando Pirates. The two matches represent important tests as the club seeks to keep its hopes of winning a trophy alive after the setback in Africa.

Progress in the Carling Knockout would provide Kaizer Chiefs with an opportunity to respond quickly to their continental disappointment and move closer to another domestic cup.

The match between Kaizer Chiefs and TS Galaxy kicks off at 7pm at FNB Stadium on Tuesday.