Kwinika sets Kaizer Chiefs a clear target: Betway Premiership title

Zitha Kwinika says winning the Betway Premiership must be the measure of success for Kaizer Chiefs in the 2026/27 season, setting the club the demanding objective of finishing above both Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.

Chiefs ended last season in third place, meaning coach and players will need to improve on that result if they are to fulfil Kwinika’s ambition. The defender’s comments represent a bold declaration given the standards currently being set by Pirates and the Tshwane giants.

Amakhosi are currently collecting an average of two points per game, but Kwinika recognises that a title challenge is likely to require a significantly stronger return of more than 2.5 points per match.

“Winning the league,” states Kwinika when asked about what will define a season of accomplishments in 2026/27.

The defender believes that achievement is within Chiefs’ reach, although it will require an improvement in his own contribution as he enters his fifth season since returning to Naturena.

“I want more; if I could do more, I would,” stresses Kwinika.

Kwinika acknowledges that Chiefs can take some satisfaction from the progress made after a difficult period, but says that is not enough for a player whose priority is to compete for honours.

“Yes, you can be a bit satisfied because you can’t be ungrateful taking into account where the team has been in the past 10 years, blah blah blah, and what we were able to do in that space.

“So, you can’t take that away, but knowing that you want win, I’m a professional footballer, I’m competitive.

“If I have to win every game every day, I will want to do that and get more silverware.

“So, that is where I am personally, wanting to get more for me and for the team,” he says.

His immediate focus is Sunday’s fixture against Siwelele FC at Dobsonville Stadium, which is scheduled to begin at 17:30. Kwinika says the importance of the match is heightened by what Chiefs are attempting to achieve over the course of the season.

“The game is more important knowing what is at stake.

“I think in us saying we are having a good run, we need to keep the consistency.

“Winning the game will give us confidence going forward, and we will continue from where we are and where we want to go to,” adds Kwinika.

A victory against Siwelele FC would allow Chiefs to maintain their current momentum and strengthen belief in their ability to mount a sustained challenge. However, Kwinika’s wider objective is clear: a third-place finish is no longer enough, and the club must convert improved form into a title-winning campaign.