Kaizer Chiefs interim coach Cavin Johnson has shed light on his decision-making process, revealing the reasoning behind his selection of Zitha Kwinika over Reeve Frosler and Dillan Solomons.
Kwinika maintained his place in the starting line-up ahead of Frosler and Solomons as Chiefs secured their first victory in 2024 in a DStv Premiership clash against Golden Arrows on Tuesday night.
Wandile Duba’s first goal in SA’s topflight earned Amakhosi all three points with a 1-0 win at the iconic FNB Stadium in Soweto.
While the youngster’s goal stole the show, Kwinika’s continued selection at right-back, playing the entire 90 minutes and contributing to a fourth consecutive clean sheet for Chiefs, has sparked debate among fans.
“There is nothing wrong with Reeve, and there’s nothing wrong with Dillan, but Zitha has always given me the backup even though he is a centre-back,” said Johnson.
CAVIN JOHNSON EXPLAINS ZITHA KWINIKA CHOICE
“He gives me a backup as a right-back as well, and sometimes you have to play him at right-back, and he does the job for you. He doesn’t do a bad job; you bring him back again. I think Reeve had a slight knock, not really, something to take him out, but we put caution to the wind as far as that position is concerned.”
Earlier this season, Frosler was the undisputed right-back for Chiefs, having clocked 1473 minutes across 19 appearances, including 16 starts.
However, a recent turn of events has seen Frosler dropped entirely. He wasn’t even included in the matchday squad for Chiefs’ last two games against Moroka Swallows and Arrows, with Kwinika starting at right-back.
Solomons, on the other hand, has found limited opportunities this season. He’s yet to crack the starting lineup, making eight appearances across all competitions off the bench, accumulating only 80 minutes of playing time.
“In the last two games, Zitha has done very well,” added Johnson. “We haven’t had any major crosses from the right, and we haven’t had any major player who was able to skin Zitha.
“So he has done the job that the right-back has to do, so we’ll see in the future maybe he will go back to his position as a centre back…”
The Soweto-born defender is emerging as Johnson’s preferred right-back choice despite playing at centre-back last season for the club.
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