In a space of a few weeks, Kaizer Chiefs defender Zitha Kwinika appears to have made what initially seemed like an easy decision a difficult one.
Throughout the season, Kwinika was not given opportunities to play and it seemed as though he would see out his contract without getting some valuable minutes on the pitch. That was until Amakhosi required someone to step in during their time of need and Kwinika put on his cape and stepped in to play a huge role in their recent cup success.
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In the absence of Inacio Miguel, who was injured in April, Kwinika became a key player and played a part in their Nedbank Cup success.
From not playing any matches in the early part of the season in 2024, he finished with six appearances in all competitions. Now, it's about waiting to see if that will be enough to get a new deal when the current contract expires at the end of June.
His agent Basia Michaels, managing director of QT Sports, praised the player for stepping in and showing character when the Soweto giants needed him. While there is no decision yet on his future, Michaels is hoping his performances are enough to convince Amakhosi management that he deserves more time at Naturena.
"It shows character. He's a soldier. 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," Michaels said to Soccer Laduma.
"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."
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Michaels revealed that there has been interest, especially after his 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."
Amakhosi now have something to think about, considering how Kwinika stepped up to show that he can still add value when given an opportunity.
