Kaizer Chiefs defender Zitha Kwinika highlighted visible improvements in the team’s performance under new coach Fernando da Cruz, citing new tactics and better cohesion ahead of their Betway Premiership clash against Richards Bay.
Kwinika’s Observations on Team Progress Kaizer Chiefs stalwart Zitha Kwinika described the team as a different group compared to last season, emphasizing the impact of new coaching strategies and player integration. The style of play and the structure show there’s improvement, he told KickOff, noting that there are new tactics that are being placed and we are trying to get to a certain way of playing that we enjoy. Kwinika, who has been a mainstay in the Kaizer Chiefs backline this season playing every minute alongside new defensive partner Inacio Miguel, credited the new coaching staff—led by da Cruz, who replaced interim co-coaches Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze—with fostering a more unified approach. The team is coping well with the new coaches, he said. We’ve proven in the games we’ve played that we are a different team… we are getting better as a team. The 32-year-old, now in his fifth season since returning to the club, is encouraged by the visible changes in the team’s setup. I think the team is also coping well with the new coaches and the new season,
Kwinika said. I think we have proven in the games we have played that we, I would say, are a different team compared to last season. The style of play, and the structure show there’s improvement,
he added.
Kaizer Chiefs defender Zitha Kwinika points to signs of
The defender also praised the adaptation of new signings, including Langalihle Phili and Luke Baartman, who have “gelled well” and understand what’s required from them. This aligns with report that most of the players are understanding what’s required, with Phili coming in and scoring a goal. “The new players I think are gelling well so far. I think like to name like your Langalihle (Phili) he came in scored a goal and then maybe like your Luke (Baartman), yes, they’ve been with the team but now getting an opportunity to start games and all that shows that we are in the right direction and most of the players are understanding what’s required from them,” Kwinika continued.
Preparation for the Richards Bay Match Kwinika acknowledged the challenge posed by Richards Bay, a team they lost to in this fixture last season. Bay are always difficult to play against,
he said. We respect them, but we have our plan. We know what to expect from them… we’ve been preparing very well for them. The defender emphasized the importance of the match, calling it bigger than the previous one [against Sundowns] because these are very important points for us. He added that the team’s attitude has changed, with a focus on grinding even more to secure results. This sentiment was echoed in account, where Kwinika stated, This season we’re in a different mission… we must win these games.
Kwinika’s comments underscore the shift in the team’s dynamic, with a focus on consistency over spectacle. The defender noted that the attitude has changed, with the team now prioritizing critical matches. The attitude has changed. This is a big game for us… bigger than the previous one [against Sundowns] because these are very important points for us,
he said. We must win these games, not mainly focus on the big games, but on these games that when one is not in a good frame of mind, taking it lightly. But now the attitude has shifted, and we grind even more.
Chiefs veteran Kwinika sees improvements in the team this
The Road Ahead for Kaizer Chiefs Amakhosi, who have won two of their opening three league fixtures with a draw thus far this season, face Richards Bay at Princess Magogo Stadium on Wednesday (7.30pm). The match represents a critical test of their progress under da Cruz, with Kwinika confident the team’s adjustments are paying off. I would say I'm doing well. I'm doing well. I think, building up to the new season, getting a bit of momentum and growing into the games we've played so far. So, I'll probably say I'm doing well, hoping to get better and improve,
he said. The team’s current standing includes a draw against Mamelodi Sundowns and a loss in the MTN8 quarterfinal to Golden Arrows. Kwinika emphasized that the outcome of this game could further solidify their position in the Betway Premiership standings.
Kwinika’s insights reflect the team’s evolving strategy under da Cruz, who arrived before the start of the season. The new coaching staff has implemented tactics that have reshaped the team’s approach, as Kwinika explained: There are new tactics that are being placed and we are trying to get to a certain way of playing that we enjoy.
The defender also highlighted the importance of preparation, stating, We know what to expect from them, and trust me, we’ve been preparing very well for them.
Kwinika: There Are New Tactics At Chiefs
Historical context adds weight to the upcoming fixture. Kwinika acknowledged that Richards Bay is one of those teams that when you play against, it’s a difficult team to play against, to be honest.
The defender noted that they lost to Richards Bay in this fixture last season, but this year’s approach is different. This season we're in a different mission of saying the games where we need to collect points are games like this,
he said. We must win these games… these are very important points for us.
The game on Wednesday will be played at Princess Magogo Stadium from 19h30. Kwinika’s confidence in the team’s readiness is evident, as he reiterated, We have our plan. We know what to expect from them… we’ve been preparing very well for them. The defender’s remarks align with the broader narrative of progress under da Cruz, as the team aims to build on its early-season momentum. With the Betway Premiership standings in focus, every match carries significant stakes, and Kwinika’s emphasis on consistency underscores the team’s evolving mindset.
As the season progresses, the impact of da Cruz’s coaching and the integration of new players like Phili and Baartman will be critical. Kwinika’s role as a stalwart is pivotal, with his experience guiding the team through challenges. We are getting better as a team,
he said, reflecting on the collective effort. The upcoming clash against Richards Bay will serve as a key indicator of whether the team’s adjustments are sustainable, with Kwinika confident in their ability to deliver results. I would say I'm doing well. I'm doing well. I think, building up to the new season, getting a bit of momentum and growing into the games we've played so far. So, I'll probably say I'm doing well, hoping to get better and improve,
he reiterated.
