Kaizer Chiefs defender Zitha Kwinika has discussed his position change this season, insisting that his versatility is an advantage.
After playing much of last season in central defence, Kwinika has been deployed at fullback by new Chiefs coach Molefi Ntseki in the early stages of the 2023/24 season.
The Soweto-born defender will hope to retain his starting spot when Chiefs tackle SuperSport United in a DStv Premiership clash at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Wednesday evening (19:30).
Zitha Kwinika has been the preferred choice at right-back by Ntseki, ahead of Reeve Frosler and Dillan Solomons.
He has played four games in all competitions at that position, and the 29-year-old says he is growing in confidence due to the game time.
Kwinika arguably played some of his best football at right-back while still at Bidvest Wits and later Stellenbosch FC, where he was captain before returning to Amakhosi at the start of last season.
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“I’m in good shape and happy to be getting minutes, which is boosting me in terms of confidence, fitness and readiness,” said the defender.
“I have actually played the majority of my PSL games at right back, probably for two seasons, so I am familiar with that position, but I think it’s good to be adaptable and play a few positions, which is an advantage to being able to help the team when required.”
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In addition, Kwinika is confident that Kaizer Chiefs supporters’ patience will soon be rewarded. The club last won a trophy back in the 2014/15 season.
“We can always do better and we are working towards improving all the time. We are building and soon the results will come,” he said.
“We just want to make our supporters happy. As a group now, we know what is at stake. We owe it to ourselves and to the fans, as well as the Chairman and team management to make the improvements we need in order to be successful.”