Kaizer Chiefs’ experienced defender Zitha Kwinika has explained the meaning behind Inácio Miguel’s captaincy gesture in the last three Amakhosi games in the Betway Premiership.
When Chiefs captain Miguel was replaced by Zitha Kwinika in the 35th minute of a league match against Richards Bay FC last month, he made a notable gesture by handing the armband to Kwinika.
Miguel later clarified that his gesture was a symbolic tribute to Kwinika’s leadership and experience. He explained that as Chiefs are his boyhood club, Kwinika understands their culture and has earned the trust of his teammates to lead them on the field.
Since that moment, Kwinika has not missed a single match, starting in three of the five league games played so far this season. He has consistently worn the captain’s armband, forming a solid partnership with Miguel at the back as the Soweto giants secured three wins and a draw in the matches he featured in.
‘IT’S NOT ALWAYS ABOUT THE ARMBAND,’ SAYS ZITHA KWINIKA
Kwinika hailed Miguel’s gesture as a sign of respect but insisted that the team’s focus isn’t on the captain’s armband. He stressed the importance of effective collaboration and prioritising the team’s goals above all else.
“I think that is a very important thing to say,” said Kwinika, referring to Miguel’s remarks that he wouldn’t wear the armband when Kwinika was on the field.
“I also have so much respect for Miguel and everyone else. It shows that at this point in time, it is not about who is doing what and what is not. It’s about the team. There are certain people who are selected to be part of the leadership of the group. So, it’s not about the armband, to be honest. The funny part is that when I’m with Miguel, he’s the one who is commanding more while I have the armband [during games].
“So, this goes to show that it’s not mainly about the captain’s armband, but it’s about the leadership that the person has and what he wants to achieve in a certain time.”
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