Kaizer Chiefs must beat Richards Bay to stay on top, says Zitha Kwinika

Kaizer Chiefs defender Zitha Kwinika says Wednesday’s meeting with Richards Bay is the type of fixture they must win if they are to remain among the leading sides in the Betway Premiership.

Chiefs travel to the Princess Magogo Stadium for their first league meeting with Richards Bay this season, aiming to extend their unbeaten start to the campaign. Richards Bay, meanwhile, are still searching for their first victory.

Kaizer Chiefs are second in the Betway Premiership standings after three matches, level on seven points with leaders Orlando Pirates. Mamelodi Sundowns are also on seven points in third place.

The teams split the results in their two league meetings last season. Richards Bay, known as the Natal Rich Boys, won at home, while Chiefs took victory in the corresponding fixture.

Kwinika, 32, acknowledged that Richards Bay have caused Kaizer Chiefs problems in previous encounters. However, he said the club’s approach to matches against teams viewed as difficult opponents has changed, with the focus now firmly on collecting points in those fixtures.

“Obviously, Richards Bay is one of those teams that when you play against, it’s a difficult team to play against to be honest,” Kwinika told Chiefs media department.

The defender said Chiefs respected their opponents but had prepared with a clear plan and set of objectives ahead of the match.

“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.”

Kwinika believes matches such as the one in Durban could prove particularly important in Chiefs’ bid to remain near the top of the table. Rather than concentrating only on high-profile fixtures, he said the team must ensure it takes maximum points from games that can sometimes be underestimated.

“I think this season we are 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.”

He warned that losing focus against an opponent outside the early title contenders could carry a heavy cost, insisting Chiefs must treat Richards Bay as a major challenge.

“And what we must do is 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.”

For Kwinika, the importance of the match has even changed how the squad views it in comparison with their previous outing. He said the players’ attitude had shifted as they recognised the value of the points on offer.

“But now the attitude has changed. This is a big game. I think it’s more bigger than the one that we played last weekend because these are very important points for us.”

The former champions will therefore approach the contest with greater intensity, while still acknowledging Richards Bay’s threat. Kwinika said the plan was to combine respect for the opposition with the hard work needed to secure a result.

“So the attitude shifts and we grind even more, so we’ll give them the respect they deserve, but work as hard as we can.”