AmaZulu Eyeing Chiefs’ Out-of-Favour Defender
AmaZulu are reportedly monitoring Kaizer Chiefs defender Zitha Kwinika, who has seen limited game time this season.
Kwinika has only made one appearance for Chiefs this season, playing a mere 14 minutes. This came in their 1-0 victory over Sekhukhune United at the Moses Mabhida Stadium last weekend. The 31-year-old replaced Njabulo Blom in the 76th minute, who appeared to have sustained an injury.
With Kwinika’s playing time diminishing, AmaZulu are reportedly closely monitoring his situation. However, time is running out as the January transfer window closes on 25 January.
Interestingly, Kwinika was signed by AmaZulu co-coach Arthur Zwane in the 2022/23 season from Stellenbosch. He enjoyed a successful campaign, featuring in 28 matches across all competitions and scoring one goal.
However, when Zwane was sacked at the end of the season despite guiding the team to fifth place in the league, Kwinika’s playing time also decreased. He made only 18 appearances last season without a goal contribution.
This decline in playing time coincided with Chiefs’ signing of Given Msimango from TS Galaxy. However, even Msimango’s playing time has diminished this season following the arrivals of Inacio Miguel and Rushwin Dortley during the off-season.
Meanwhile, AmaZulu have been active in the transfer market. They signed Bongani Zungu and Sandile Mthethwa, who were released by Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates respectively, even before the window opened. More recently, the Durban-based side has added striker Elmo Kambindu from Chippa United.
