Kaizer Chiefs embrace new tactics as Richards Bay test unbeaten run

Kaizer Chiefs defender Zitha Kwinika says the club’s new signings are settling in well as the team prepares to extend its unbeaten start to the Betway Premiership season against Richards Bay FC on Wednesday.

Chiefs have made changes to their playing style and tactical approach under their new coaching set-up, with Kwinika believing the squad is gradually adapting to what is expected of them.

Speaking to the club’s media team ahead of the match, the central defender said he was pleased with his own progress and hoped to continue improving as the campaign developed.

“I would say I’m doing well. I’m doing well. I think, building up to the new season, getting a bit of momentum and growing into the games we’ve played so far. So, I’ll probably say I’m doing well, hoping to get better and improve,” Kwinika said.

The defender also highlighted the contribution of the club’s new arrivals, including Langalihle Phili, who scored on his debut, and Luke Baartman, who has now been given opportunities to start after previously spending time around the first team.

“The new players I think are gelling well so far. I think like to name like your Langalihle (Phili) he came in scored a goal and then maybe like your Luke (Baartman), yes, they’ve been with the team but now getting an opportunity to start games and all that shows that we are in the right direction and most of the players are understanding what’s required from them,” he continued.

Kwinika said Kaizer Chiefs were also becoming more comfortable with the demands of the new coaches and the changes introduced during pre-season and the opening matches of the campaign.

“I think the team is also coping well with the new coaches, the new season. I think we’ve proven in the games we’ve played that we, let’s say, a different team, style of play, the structure, and how we do things. So I think it’s proven that there’s improvement, there’s new tactics that have been placed and trying to get to a certain way of playing that we enjoy, and we all understand in helping and getting better as a team,” the former Stellenbosch FC defender added.

The match will give Chiefs an opportunity to respond to a difficult opponent. Richards Bay, known as the Natal Rich Boyz, beat them in the corresponding fixture last season, and Kwinika expects another demanding contest.

“Obviously, Richards Bay is one of those teams that when you play against, it’s a difficult team to play against, to be honest. But yes, we give them the respect, but we also have our plan, we have our objectives. So we know what to expect from them. And trust me, we prepared very well for them. We prepared very well.

“I think this season, we’re in a different mission of saying the games that we need to collect points are such games. I think that’s the importance for us to stay on top and what we must win these games, not mainly focus on the big games, but on these games that when one is not in a good frame of mind, taking it lightly. But now the attitude has changed. This is a big game. I think it’s more bigger than the ones that we played weekend, because these are very important points for us. So the attitude shifts and we grind even more,” Kwinika concluded.

The Betway Premiership fixture will be played at Princess Magogo Stadium on Wednesday, with kick-off scheduled for 19:30.