Zitha Kwinika is finally living the dream at Kaizer Chief after returning to the club, and he has been humbled by playing ahead of seasoned veterans.
Kwinika is a product of the Amakhosi youth program; coach Arthur Zwane recruited him when he was playing amateur football in Meadowlands, Soweto.
Given the star-studded names in defense, including then-captain Tefu Mashamaite, he was unable to make the first team during his initial stay with the club.
His deficiencies forced him to depart Chiefs, and he has since played for Chippa United, the defunct Bidvest Wits, and most recently Stellenbosch.
During his last season with Stellies, he was elected the club’s Players’ Player and Player of the Season before Chiefs contacted him.
Kwinika responded appropriately, fitting in well at the back, as he is one of the few players to have started and completed all six matches to far.
“I feel this is a place for the squad, not just for myself. He stated, “I am working hard, and maybe the coach has noticed other aspects of my game.”
“Perhaps for me to play successfully, my other defenders must compliment me. There are some things that they do well that do not always expose me.
“Therefore, I cannot claim exclusive credit. It has always been about the team for me. “I’m able to play with Njabulo (Ngcobo), Siya (Ngezana), and ‘Tower’ (Eric Mathoho).”
The versatile 28-year-old defender’s ambition would be to form a good relationship with Mathoho at the core of Chiefs’ defense.
Mathoho is one of the players who has had a significant impact on the development of Kwinika, with whom he maintained touch after leaving Amakhosi.
The fact that Kwinika has played ahead of his “big brother” has not affected his motivation to do his best week after week.
“It humbles me beyond measure” (playing ahead of senior players). “The person you’re referring about, Tower, is my brother,” Kwinika revealed.
“He has been there for me and continues to teach me the path. Even while I was absent, he continued to check on me and update me on my game.
“I’m getting closer to him, but he’s still pushing me to do the right things and helping me correct my errors. I am very humbled by this.
“It’s not like I am superior to him or anything. However, I comprehend the nature of my connection with him. If he plays before me, I will be there to cheer him on.”
Chiefs’ defense has been inconsistent from the beginning of the season, compelling Zwane to start their veteran goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune in their most recent match.
Khune had a spectacular performance against Stellies in the MTN8 quarterfinals, as his heroics in the penalty shootout lead Chiefs to a 4-3 victory.
Khune is anticipated to start tonight’s league encounter against AmaZulu before the two sides face off in a two-legged MTN8 semifinal.
It might have been Khune, Brandon (Petersen), or anybody else in goal. “In a football game, events occur as they occurred,” stated Kwinika.
“However, he contributed his expertise and communication. I believe that also contributed to the team’s success. But I do not believe that had a factor in the victory.
“Even when other goalkeepers allow goals, it might be due of our defensive errors. Not due to the fact that they are not goalkeepers and such.”
@Mihlalibaleka