Following his strong finish last season, Kaizer Chiefs defender Zitha Kwinika has signed a contract extension with the club. Kwinika rejoined his boyhood club in July 2022 from Stellenbosch FC on a three-year deal with an option to extend.
The Chiefs youth development graduate progressed through the club’s ranks before leaving in 2016 for stints at Chippa United, Thanda Royal Zulu, Bidvest Wits, and Stellenbosch. After excelling at Stellenbosch and being named Player of the Season, he penned a deal with Amakhosi. In his first season, he made 28 appearances, and in the following season, he featured 18 times for the club.
After the arrival of Nasreddine Nabi, the club signed three central defenders, Inacio Miguel, Rushwin Dortley and Bradley Cross. However, Cross was mostly played as a left-back earlier in the season.
Nonetheless, Kwinika had limited involvement, struggling to gain a spot in the team. Towards the end of the season, he stepped up when Dortley and Miguel were injured, delivering impressive performances.
After not playing in the early part of the 2024 season, he finished with six total appearances across all competitions. The 31-year-old started in the 2-1 victory that ended Chiefs’ 10-year trophy drought when they beat Orlando Pirates in the final of the Nedbank Cup.
WHY CHIEFS HAVE OPTED TO RETAIN ZITHA KWINIKA’S SERVICES
With participation in the CAF Confederation Cup next season, Amakhosi are unlikely to make any signings in central defence. While efforts have been made to secure the signature of SuperSport United’s Ime Okon, the defender appears to be prioritising a move abroad.
The promotion of Aden McCarthy from the reserve side also provides another option in that position. Chiefs have decided to retain Kwinika, who is considered a strong backup defender, as demonstrated in the last six games of the season. The new deal will keep him at the club for another season.
Kwinika’s attitude while he was not playing has been praised by officials at the club. The defender, who can also play at right back, has earned accolades for maintaining a professional and hardworking demeanour during his time on the sidelines.
The Soweto giants have already parted ways with Njabulo Blom, Ranga Chivaviro, Sabelo Radebe, and Edmilson Dove.
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