Zitha Kwinika Highlights Kaizer Chiefs Progress Under Fernando Da Cruz: ‘There Is Improvement and New Tactics’

Kaizer Chiefs defender Zitha Kwinika believes the club is moving in the right direction under new head coach Fernando Da Cruz after an encouraging start to the Premier Soccer League campaign. The experienced centre-back has identified noticeable improvements in the team’s tactical structure, playing style and mentality. Kwinika’s assessment offers an important insight into the changes taking place at Amakhosi as the French coach works to establish his methods. Chiefs have endured several difficult seasons in the recent past, making consistency and tactical identity key priorities for the new campaign. The defender believes the players are responding well to the changes and are beginning to understand what Da Cruz expects from them. His comments will give supporters renewed hope that the club can build a stronger foundation and challenge more consistently for major honours.

Kwinika has played an important role in the Chiefs defence this season and has featured every minute alongside new defensive partner Inacio Miguel. The 32-year-old is now in his fifth season since returning to the club and has experienced the highs and lows of the team’s recent campaigns. His experience gives him a useful perspective when assessing how the current squad compares with previous Chiefs teams. According to Kwinika, the players are adapting well to the new coaching staff and the demands of the new season. He believes the difference is visible in the team’s style of play and overall structure. The defender’s comments suggest that Da Cruz has already introduced tactical changes that are beginning to influence the way Chiefs approach their matches.

Kwinika pointed specifically to the introduction of new tactics as one of the clearest signs of progress under Da Cruz. The French coach has been tasked with creating a team that is more consistent and capable of competing for the Betway Premiership title. For that to happen, Chiefs need more than individual talent, they need a clear system that every player understands and follows. Kwinika believes the squad is gradually reaching that point as the players become more familiar with the coach’s ideas. He explained that the team is trying to develop a particular way of playing that the players can enjoy and execute effectively. That process will take time, but the defender believes the early signs indicate that the team is getting better.

The change in mentality could prove just as important as the tactical improvements. Chiefs have experienced repeated frustration in recent seasons after dropping points in matches where they were expected to perform strongly. Kwinika believes the squad now has a clearer understanding of the importance of collecting points against every opponent. The upcoming match against Richards Bay illustrates that approach because the defender insists that such fixtures must be treated with the same seriousness as the biggest games on the calendar. While he acknowledged that Richards Bay are a difficult opponent, he also stressed that Chiefs have their own objectives and must be prepared to meet them. This mentality could become crucial if the club wants to remain competitive throughout a demanding league campaign.

For Kwinika, the objective is straightforward when Chiefs face teams against whom they are expected to collect points. The defender explained that the squad has adopted a different mission this season, with winning these matches viewed as essential to their overall ambitions. That represents an important shift from simply focusing on individual performances or isolated results. A title challenge requires teams to consistently take advantage of matches where they have an opportunity to collect maximum points. Chiefs have often been criticised for failing to maintain that level of consistency, particularly against opponents outside the traditional group of top PSL clubs. Kwinika’s comments indicate that the squad understands this weakness and is determined to address it.

Maintaining momentum will now be one of the biggest tests for Da Cruz and his players. A positive start can provide confidence, but that confidence must be supported by repeated victories if Chiefs are to challenge for the league title. Kwinika believes winning matches is the most effective way to create a culture of confidence within the squad. He argues that players become stronger when they become accustomed to winning and that positive results can transform the atmosphere around a team. This is particularly relevant at a club like Kaizer Chiefs, where expectations remain high and every result attracts significant attention. Building a winning mentality could therefore be just as important as refining the tactical system.

The arrival of new players has also contributed to the positive mood within the squad. Kwinika praised the way recent additions have integrated into the team and suggested that the growing chemistry is another indication that Chiefs are heading in the right direction. The emergence of younger players has provided an additional source of optimism, with Langelihle Phili and Luke Baartman among those receiving opportunities in the starting lineup. Phili has already made an impact by finding the back of the net, while Baartman has also benefited from increased opportunities. Giving younger players meaningful first-team responsibilities can help create competition for places while providing the squad with energy and fresh ideas. Kwinika believes their involvement shows that players are beginning to understand what is required of them under the new coaching structure.

The relationship between experienced players and emerging talent could become one of the defining features of Chiefs’ season. Players such as Kwinika bring years of professional experience and knowledge of the demands associated with representing Amakhosi. Younger players, meanwhile, can bring pace, ambition and a willingness to take opportunities when they arise. When those qualities come together effectively, they can strengthen competition throughout the squad. The integration of new arrivals also gives Da Cruz more options as he develops his preferred team and tactical approach. Kwinika’s comments suggest that the current group is becoming increasingly comfortable with one another, which could help the team maintain its progress as the season develops.

The defensive partnership between Kwinika and Inacio Miguel could also play an important role in establishing stability. Kwinika has started every match so far, giving him a consistent role within Da Cruz’s defensive structure. Building a reliable centre-back partnership can help a team improve its organisation, communication and defensive decision-making. As the season progresses, familiarity between the defenders should allow them to respond more effectively to different attacking threats. A stronger defensive foundation could also give Chiefs greater freedom to develop their attacking approach. If the team can combine defensive stability with the new tactical ideas introduced by Da Cruz, it could become more competitive against a wide range of opponents.

There is still plenty of work ahead for Kaizer Chiefs despite the encouraging signs identified by Kwinika. Improvements in tactics and mentality must eventually translate into consistent results across the league. The pressure on Da Cruz will increase if the team fails to maintain its momentum, particularly given the club’s long wait for another league title. Players must therefore continue adapting to the coach’s methods while maintaining the intensity and concentration required in every match. Kwinika’s emphasis on winning reflects an understanding that good performances alone will not satisfy the expectations surrounding Amakhosi. The next phase of the season will show whether the early improvements can develop into sustained progress.

Zitha Kwinika’s assessment provides a positive indication of the direction Kaizer Chiefs are taking under Fernando Da Cruz. The experienced defender has identified improvements in the team’s structure, tactics, mentality and understanding of what the new coach demands. The emergence of young players such as Langelihle Phili and Luke Baartman, combined with the integration of new arrivals, has added further optimism to the squad. However, the real measure of progress will be whether Chiefs can consistently turn their improved organisation into victories and remain competitive in the Betway Premiership title race. For now, Kwinika believes the signs are encouraging and that the team is becoming stronger with every match. If Chiefs can maintain that progress, develop a consistent winning mentality and continue adapting to Da Cruz’s tactical ideas, the club could take a significant step towards restoring itself as a serious force in South African football.