Zitha Kwinika’s Late-Season Heroics Give Kaizer Chiefs a Tough Decision to Make

In a matter of weeks, Kaizer Chiefs defender Zitha Kwinika has gone from a forgotten figure on the fringes of the squad to a player who could force the club’s hand ahead of the upcoming transfer window. What once seemed like a straightforward decision regarding his future now appears far more complex.

Throughout most of the 2024 season, Kwinika was sidelined, not featuring in any matches and appearing set to see out the remainder of his contract without making an impact. That changed when Amakhosi were hit by a defensive crisis, most notably the injury to Inacio Miguel in April. Suddenly, Kwinika was called into action—and he answered with determination and resilience.

His contribution proved crucial as Chiefs lifted the Nedbank Cup, and although he ended the season with just six appearances in all competitions, those performances may have come at the perfect time. With his current contract expiring at the end of June, the club must now decide whether to reward his loyalty and late-season form with a new deal.

Basia Michaels, managing director of QT Sports and Kwinika’s agent, has lauded the defender’s attitude and commitment, highlighting the importance of having players who are ready to sacrifice for the team when called upon.

“It shows character. He’s a soldier,” Michaels told Soccer Laduma. “It takes a lot to do what Zitha has done, where you are overlooked and then you are called upon and when you are called upon, you step up to the plate. We would love to believe fairness prevails, where you look at it and you say at the end of the day football is not about having a 28-man squad of fancy players. Sometimes football is about having a soldier who will stop the ball and is willing to die for you on the field when you need it.”

While no formal decision has been made by Chiefs, Michaels believes Kwinika has done enough to earn an extension. “I do think that it warrants a new contract, but I am not the decision maker for that, neither is Zitha. We hope the decision makers see it that way. But if it isn’t, then we have to adjust. We have to pivot to what is placed before us.”

Adding to the intrigue around his future, Michaels also confirmed that other clubs have begun to take notice of Kwinika’s performances in the cup. “I think there’s been one or two nice enquiries, especially after the Nedbank Cup final. It’s something I had not expected, but we have to look at it for what it is and let’s make the decision when the time to make the decision comes and we go from there.”

Kaizer Chiefs now find themselves at a crossroads. Kwinika’s resilience and ability to deliver under pressure have made him more than just a squad player. Whether that will be enough to secure a new contract remains to be seen, but the Soweto giants will have to think carefully before letting go of a player who proved that he can still add value when it matters most.