Zitha Kwinika's Leadership in Kaizer Chiefs' Transformation

Zitha Kwinika has barely missed a heartbeat this season. Every minute, every tackle, every header – he has been there, anchoring the Kaizer Chiefs defence alongside new partner Inacio Miguel.

At 32, in his fifth campaign since returning to Naturena, Kwinika has seen enough versions of Chiefs to know when something is shifting. This one, he insists, is not the same team that stumbled through last season.

“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, I would say, are a different team compared to last season. The style of play, and the structure show there's improvement.”

The message is clear: there is a plan now. And the players feel it.

“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

For all the tactical tweaks and encouraging signs, one old problem still hangs over Chiefs: dropping points against so‑called smaller clubs. It has haunted them for years, derailing title pushes long before May.

Kwinika wants that habit gone.

On Wednesday, they travel to Princess Magogo Stadium to face Richards Bay, exactly the kind of fixture that has tripped them up in the past. This time, the defender says, the mindset is different. These games are being treated like blockbusters.

He spoke about Richards Bay with the same seriousness usually reserved for the Soweto Derby.

“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 dressing it up. No excuses. Just a demand: win.

Chasing momentum, chasing a drought-ending title

Consistency sits at the heart of Da Cruz’s project. Chiefs have gone too long without a league title, and everyone at the club knows it. Stringing results together is no longer a bonus; it is the only route back to the top of the Betway Premiership.

For Kwinika, that run of positive results is as much about the mind as it is about the table.

“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.”

Winning, then winning again. That is the culture he wants to see take root.

Young blood, new energy

It is not just the veterans driving this shift. Kwinika lit up when he spoke about the impact of the club’s younger players and new arrivals, who are not just filling out the squad but forcing their way into starting roles.

The emergence of Langelihle Phili and Luke Baartman has not gone unnoticed in the dressing room.

“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,” he said.

“That shows we are in the right direction, and most players are understanding what’s required from them.”

A settled backline. A clearer structure. Youngsters stepping up. A squad openly talking about titles and “must-win” fixtures against teams that once caught them cold.

Now comes the real test: can Chiefs turn this new language and sharper edge into the one thing they have been missing for years – a relentless, week‑to‑week habit of winning?