KNOCKOUT CUP
Smiso Msomi|Published
Kaizer Chiefs defender Reeve Frosler says the Amakhosi must put their CAF Confederation Cup disappointment behind them as they turn their attention to Tuesday’s Carling Knockout last-16 clash against TS Galaxy.
Chiefs were eliminated from the Confederation Cup on penalties last Friday after beating Red Arrows 1-0 at Moses Mabhida Stadium to level the preliminary-round tie 1-1 on aggregate.
The result ended their continental campaign early, but the Soweto giants have little time to dwell on the setback, with another opportunity to pursue silverware arriving 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.”
Victory over TS Galaxy would take Chiefs into the quarter-finals and keep alive their hopes of adding another trophy to their cabinet this season.
Frosler acknowledged that the Rockets have proved difficult opponents in recent meetings, but believes the knockout format offers Chiefs an opportunity to reset and make progress.
“TS Galaxy have been a tough opponent for us in the last few games,” he admitted.
“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 fixture also comes just days before the eagerly anticipated Soweto Derby against Orlando Pirates, adding to an important week for the Amakhosi.
However, Frosler insists that the prospect of facing their arch-rivals will not distract the team from the immediate task against Galaxy.
“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 will need to negotiate Tuesday’s cup tie before turning their attention to Pirates, with both matches carrying significant importance for their season.
After their continental disappointment, progressing in the Carling Knockout would provide a timely boost and give the team a chance to keep their trophy ambitions alive.
The Chiefs and TS Galaxy clash kicks off at 7pm FNB Stadium on Tuesday.