Former Kaizer Chiefs defender Tefu Mashamaite has given his thoughts on why the club has extended the contract of Zitha Kwinika.
Amakhosi have extended Kwinika's contract for a year, keeping him at Naturena until June 2026. Kwinika was linked with an exit last season when game time was hard to come by, but he stepped in during the final few weeks of the campaign to play a key role in the club's successful Nedbank Cup campaign.
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He has another opportunity in the coming season to prove himself in Amakhosi colours and Mashamaite believes he has what it takes to be a key figure for the Soweto giants.
"Firstly, congratulations to Zitha on his extension. He’s a homegrown talent and I had the privilege of working with him when he got promoted from the juniors when I was still at Chiefs. Around that time I tipped him to be part of the next generation to take Amakhosi to the next level. Him, Pule (Ekstein) and (Chris) Matombo," Mashamaite said to Soccer Laduma.
"He later joined Stellenbosch (after spells at Chippa United and Bidvest Wits) and I feel like the move was good for him as he grew, which made Chiefs resign him. Upon returning, I feel like he hasn’t really blossomed to his full and true potential. And my theory is that I know Zitha to be a centre back. But he was at times used as a right back (under Arthur Zwane), which I think he did pretty well in that position.
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"But I feel like his true potential is in the centre back position. He played as a centre back in the Nedbank Cup final, which might be the reason why he has a new chance."
Competition will be harder for Kwinika with Rushwin Dortley set to make a return from a long injury layoff. Youngster Aiden McCarthy is also proving himself during the pre-season tour in the Netherlands and will be determined to get more first-team opportunities.
