Resurgent Kaizer Chiefs defender Zitha Kwinika has been rewarded with a new contract after an impressive season, FARPost has learnt, despite his campaign being cut short by injury.
Before being sidelined in March, Kwinika had re-established himself as a key figure at the heart of Chiefs’ defence. The experienced centre-back made 25 appearances across domestic competitions and the CAF Confederation Cup, enjoying one of his most consistent runs since returning to the club.
One of Amakhosi’s captains this season, the 32-year-old featured 14 times in the league and 10 times in the CAF interclub competition. His other appearances came in the Carling Knockout Cup.
His last appearance came on 15 March 2026, when Chiefs secured a 1-0 victory over Durban City. Although the injury ruled him out for the remainder of the season, the club’s technical review concluded with Kwinika earning a new one-year deal.
ZITHA KWINIKA’S LATEST AGREEMENT
Chiefs had already exercised the option in his contract following his strong finish to the previous campaign, with that extension set to expire at the end of June. The latest agreement will now keep him at Naturena for at least another season.
Kwinika rejoined his boyhood club in July 2022 from Stellenbosch FC on a three-year contract that included an option to extend. A product of the Chiefs youth academy, Kwinika rose through the ranks before leaving the club in 2016.
He went on to have spells with Chippa United, Thanda Royal Zulu, Bidvest Wits and Stellenbosch, where he enjoyed a standout period and was named the club’s Player of the Season. His performances earned him a return to Amakhosi ahead of the 2022/23 season.
Since returning, Kwinika has remained an important member of the squad, making 28 appearances in his first season and 18 in the following campaign. Under former Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi, he made his least appearances, only playing six times.
He is expected to make a full recovery ahead of the new season and continues to be highly regarded within the dressing room as one of the club’s senior leaders, alongside goalkeeper Brandon Petersen.
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