Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Dillon Sheppard has explained the tactical reasoning behind deploying Reeve Frosler in midfield following Tuesday's 1-1 draw with Stellenbosch FC. The stalemate at FNB Stadium was the club's third consecutive league draw, leaving them fourth in the Premier Soccer League with 14 points from eight games.
Sheppard addressed the media post-match, confirming Frosler's role in a 5-2-3 formation was not a last-minute experiment. "With Reeve Frosler, why would you say he’s a defender?" Sheppard asked. He revealed the move was prepared over a three-week period due to injuries sidelining attackers like Langelihle Phili and midfielders including Lebohang Maboe. "So, we had to find alternatives."
Team shape and missed chances
The assistant coach was critical of the team's inability to commit enough players forward in search of a winner. He noted that with Stellenbosch pushing two strikers forward, Chiefs' five-man defence became too rigid. Wing-backs and midfielders failed to provide adequate support for the forward line, leaving striker Wandile Duba isolated and missing clear chances. Sheppard admitted the side became "back-heavy" as they chased the game.
He also pointed to a broader issue of converting opportunities, despite a solid defensive record that sees them among the league's best for fewest chances conceded. Mduduzi Shabalala's 58th-minute equaliser, assisted by Frosler, cancelled out Sinoxolo Kwayiba's opener for the visitors. The result continues a run of form that has seen Chiefs drop points from winning positions in their last two matches, accumulating a total of 14 goal minutes in their last three games without securing a win.
With their next fixture a trip to Zambia to face Red Arrows in the CAF Confederation Cup, Sheppard's analysis shows the need to balance defensive solidity with more attacking intent. The team's immediate focus shifts to this continental challenge as they seek to build momentum from a league position that, while in the top four, has been undermined by recent draws.
You can review the team's recent results and standings for the full picture.
First reported at capetimes.co.za
