Kaizer Chiefs Coach Responds After Defence-Heavy Lineup Fails to Deliver Win

Image by Zamani Makautsi/Gallo Images

Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Dillon Sheppard has defended the technical team's decision to field what appeared to be a defence-heavy starting lineup in Tuesday's 1-1 draw against Stellenbosch FC at FNB Stadium.

It was another frustrating evening for Amakhosi, who extended their winless run to three matches after being held by the Maroons. Sinoxolo Kwayiba gave Stellenbosch the lead in the 48th minute before Mduduzi Shabalala restored parity just ten minutes later. In a match short on attacking quality, both teams struggled to create clear-cut chances and ultimately had to settle for a share of the points.

Ahead of the encounter, Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz revealed that several key players were unavailable due to injury. Brandon Petersen, Lebohang Maboe, Langelihle Phili, and Siphesihle Ndlovu were all ruled out, leaving the technical team with limited options, particularly in midfield.

As a result, Da Cruz was forced to make several tactical adjustments. Full-backs Paseka Mako and Reeve Frosler were deployed in midfield alongside Sibongiseni Mthethwa, a move that raised questions given the number of natural defenders named in the starting XI.

Speaking after the match while standing in for Da Cruz, who reportedly fell ill and required medical attention, Sheppard pushed back against the suggestion that Chiefs had selected six defenders.

"Why would you say Frosler is a defender?" Sheppard asked journalists.

The Chiefs assistant pointed to Frosler's footballing background, arguing that the versatile player has extensive experience in midfield.

"Reeve, why would you say he is a defender? When he grew up at Wits, what position did he play? No, I am asking here. He grew up as a midfielder," the assistant coach continued.

The coach also explained that the team's injury situation influenced their selection decisions, particularly regarding youngster Thulani Mabaso, who has only recently returned from a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

"The reason with the lineup, obviously, with the injuries that we've had, young Thulani (Mabaso) has just come back from a long-term injury. To throw him straight into a game where we've just come off a FIFA break would have been unfair to him, so we had to find an alternative.

"In pre-season, we worked with Reeve in midfield. Like I said, he has played in that position before. In the three weeks (FIFA break), he prepared in that position and did really, really well. So that was our reason behind that," Sheppard concluded.

Despite the explanations, the result does little to ease the pressure on Chiefs, who continue to search for consistency after another underwhelming performance. They are sitting fourth on the Betway Premiership standings with 14 points after eight games.

Amakhosi will now turn their attention to continental football, with a crucial CAF Confederation Cup second-round qualifying clash against Zambian outfit Red Arrows scheduled for Friday at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium. Chiefs will be hoping to bounce back with a strong display as they look to keep their continental ambitions alive.