Kaizer Chiefs defender Zitha Kwinika says the respect he’s received from captain Inacio Miguel has been massive whilst addressing the motivating factors during the FIFA international break.
Miguel has offered the captain’s armband to Kwinika when he’s on the field of play in a sign of respect to the Chiefs academy product, in which he explained earlier this month as a senior figure of the dressing room.
While Kwinika’s performances has notably been consistent when afforded opportunities to play – he admits who wheres the armband is not relevant in the collective performances of the team.
“I think it’s very important for me to say, I also have so much respect for Miguel and everyone else, it shows at this point in time it’s not about who is doing what, it’s about the team,” Kwinika said.
“Certain players get selected to be part of the leadership group, it’s not about the arm belt. How funny is it that when I’m with Miguel – he’s the one commanding more while I have the arm belt. So it shows it’s not about that, but about within the leadership the person has, and what we want to achieve…”
The recent Bafana Bafana squad had two Chiefs players part of the team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers which Kwinika admits was a major boost of confidence.
“[Monyane and Shabalala] was a big motivation, I’m happy for the boys – it shows that we’re trying to do something well and when the team is represented in the national team, it makes everyone happy,” he stated.
“So it’s up to others to step up and hopefully get an opportunity to represent the country also.”
