Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Dillon Shepherd commented on the logic behind the team's squad selection after 'Amakhosi' drew again in the Betway Premiership championship.
The 'Glamour Boys' lost points for the third consecutive time, ending the match against Stellenbosch FC at FNB Stadium on Tuesday evening. This result marked the fifth draw of the 2026/27 season.
Although the team remained undefeated in the league this season, Chiefs' 5-2-3 tactical scheme had been criticized in recent games. The recurring draws and approach to play raised questions about the team's ability to turn promising performances into victories.
Before this match, Chiefs faced the absence of several key players: midfielders Lebohang Maboe, Adolph Mtasinghwa, and Siphesile Ndlovu were ruled out due to injuries. Forward Langelihle Phili and goalkeeper Brandon Petersen also could not take the field after sustaining injuries during the recent international break.
The absence of these players forced Chiefs to change their lineup, including Riva Froesler in midfield alongside Sibongiseni Mthethwa. Shepherd defended this decision, citing Froesler's experience in that position and the limited options due to injuries.
During the post-match press conference, Shepherd was asked: 'With Riva Froesler, why not say he is a defender?' He explained that due to injuries, young Tulani [Mabaso] had only just returned from injury. 'To put him in the game after we just returned from the FIFA break, I think it would be unfair to him. So we had to look for alternatives.'
He added that they had worked with Riva in midfield during the pre-season, and as he mentioned, he had previously played in that position. 'We prepared with him for three weeks. He did very well. That's why it happened.'
The Chiefs assistant coach emphasized that this decision was not a spontaneous experiment on game day, as Froesler had trained in midfield throughout the pre-season and the entire preparation period leading up to the match against Stellenbosch.
Now, 'Amakhosi' will focus on continental competitions, traveling to Zambia to face Red Arrows in the first match of the second qualifying round of the CAF Confederation Cup for the 2026–27 season. This trip gives Chiefs an opportunity to shift focus from domestic disappointments and build momentum in their pursuit of group stage qualification.
