Chiefs defender outlines ‘different mission this season’
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Zitha Kwinika has raised the expectations at Kaizer Chiefs following the club’s good start in the league. Photo: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images
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Chiefs defender outlines ‘different mission this season’
Aug 25, 2026 – 08:34 am
By Lovemore Moyo
Kaizer Chiefs defender Zitha Kwinika has put down markers of improvement to their new season under Fernando da Cruz.
Chiefs have won two and drawn one from their first three to set pace along both their biggest rivals Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns who are in familiar territory.
Ahead of their fourth league match on Wednesday evening against Richards Bay away at Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu, Kwinika provided insight.
“Obviously, Richards Bay is a difficult team to play against, yes, we give them the respect, but we also have our objectives, so we know what we expect and we have prepared well for them,” points out the experienced defender.
“This season, we are in a different mission of saying the games that we need to collect points (from) are such games (against Richards Bay).
The Soweto-born defender said for them to stay on top, is that they must win such games and not only focus on the ‘big games’.
“…but on these games that when one is not in a good frame of mind taking it lightly.”
Kwinika said the team’s mentality and attitude towards such games has changed and they see a game against Richards Bay as a big one.
“I think it is bigger than the ones that we played because these are important points for us, so the attitude shifts and we grind even more.
“So, we will give them the respect they deserve but work as hard as we can,” he outlines.
The 32-year-old has played every minute so far this season partnering Inacio Miguel as he negotiates his fifth season since he returned to the club.
“I think the team is also coping well with the new coaches and the new season.
“I think we have proven in the games we have played that we, I would say, are a different team, style of play, and the structure.”
“I think it has been proven that there is improvement and there are new ticks that are being placed and trying to get to a certain way of playing that we enjoy and that we all understand in getting better as a team.
“The new players are gelling well…to name like your (Langelihle) Phili scored a goal and your (Luke) Baartman, yes, they have been with the team but now getting an opportunity to start games.
“That shows we are in the right direction, and most players are understanding what’s required from them.
“Obviously, to keep the momentum is for us to get positive results.
“I think that is the best way to keep the momentum, getting good results, mainly winning games, that’s the only way to keep the momentum going in the environment and the confidence.
“So, I think getting used to winning is important because it just creates an environment of winners and winners get stronger by day,” says Kwinika.