Kaizer Chiefs' Season Transformation: Kwinika's Insights
Zitha Kwinika has seen enough seasons at Kaizer Chiefs to know when something feels different. This one, he insists, does.
The 32-year-old defender has not missed a single minute this campaign, anchoring the backline alongside new partner Inacio Miguel, and he can sense a shift under the new technical team.
“I think the team is also coping well with the new coaches and the new season,” he said, speaking to KickOff. “I think we have proven in the games we have played that we… are a different team compared to last season. The style of play, and the structure show there's improvement.”
This isn’t just cosmetic change. Chiefs have been searching for an identity, and Kwinika believes the blueprint is finally taking shape.
“There are new tactics that are being placed and we are trying to get to a certain way of playing that we enjoy. We are getting better as a team.”
Smaller teams, big stakes
If there is one wound that keeps reopening for Chiefs, it’s the points dropped against so-called smaller sides. That pattern has cost them dearly in recent seasons. Kwinika knows it, the dressing room knows it, and Wednesday’s trip to Princess Magogo Stadium has been framed with that in mind.
Richards Bay might not carry the emotional weight of a Soweto Derby, but for Chiefs’ ambitions, the stakes feel just as high.
The defender made it clear those fixtures are no longer being treated as routine league stops.
“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.
“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]. We must win these games.”
No ambiguity. No excuses. Chiefs have gone too long without a league title, and that drought now frames every match against teams they are expected to beat.
Momentum or nothing
For Da Cruz and his squad, the message is simple: consistency or bust. One big performance is no longer enough. Chiefs need runs, not flashes.
Kwinika is adamant that only a steady stream of victories can harden the team into genuine Betway Premiership contenders.
“Obviously, to keep the momentum is for us to get positive results,” he said. “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.”
That’s the culture he’s chasing: not surprise wins, but an expectation that three points is the norm.
New blood, new energy
Inside the camp, there is another source of optimism. The blend.
Chiefs have often been accused of failing to integrate young talent or new signings quickly enough. This season, the picture looks different. Fresh faces are not just filling the bench; they are shaping games.
Kwinika highlighted the impact of the younger players and recent arrivals, with Langelihle Phili and Luke Baartman standing out as examples of that shift.
“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.”
A settled defence, a clearer structure, young players stepping up, and a hardened stance on so-called smaller opponents — all of it points to a club trying to turn a corner.
Now comes the real test: can Chiefs turn those good intentions into the kind of relentless winning run that has been missing from Naturena for far too long?
