Kaizer Chiefs defender Zitha Kwinika believes Amakhosi have what it takes to challenge for the Betway Premiership title this season, but the real test will be whether new head coach Fernando Da Cruz can turn that belief into silverware.
Chiefs finished third in the league last season, but their campaign ended with a sizeable 15-point gap separating them from champions Orlando Pirates. That result has increased the pressure on the Soweto giants to take another significant step forward.
For Kwinika, however, winning the league is not an unrealistic ambition.
Asked whether Chiefs can lift the Premiership trophy this season, the experienced defender delivered a confident response.
“Winning the league, it’s possible.”
That belief comes at a crucial time for Amakhosi, who have entered the new campaign with renewed expectations following the appointment of Da Cruz.
Da Cruz faces a huge Chiefs challenge
The arrival of Fernando Da Cruz has brought a fresh tactical approach to Kaizer Chiefs, with the coach already winning praise from sections of the club’s supporters for his football philosophy.
But attractive football alone will not be enough.
Chiefs football manager Bobby Motaung has made it clear that Da Cruz was brought in with one primary objective: to return trophies to Naturena.
“The new coach obviously knows he has to win the league, he has to win cups, he has to bring the glory days back,” Motaung said.
That mandate places Da Cruz under considerable pressure from the beginning of his Chiefs tenure. The club’s supporters have endured several frustrating seasons and will be hoping the new coach can finally turn improved performances into major honours.
Chiefs strengthen ahead of title challenge
The club has also attempted to give Da Cruz the tools required to compete.
Chiefs strengthened their squad with the arrivals of Renaldo Leaner, Thabo Moloisane, Adolf Mtasingwa Bitegeko, Langelihle Phili and Faiz Abrahams.
They also made Khanyisa Mayo’s move from Algerian club CR Belouizdad permanent after his loan spell.
The additions are expected to provide greater depth and competition within the squad as Chiefs attempt to close the gap on their rivals.
Can Amakhosi close the gap on Orlando Pirates?
Last season’s 15-point deficit shows just how much work remains to be done.
Chiefs cannot afford to rely solely on individual performances if they are serious about challenging for the championship. Consistency, squad depth and the ability to collect points against fellow title contenders could ultimately determine whether Da Cruz’s side remains in the race.
The immediate focus is Sunday’s clash with Siwelele, with Chiefs looking to collect another important result and reduce the distance between themselves and Pirates.
For Kwinika, the target is clear: Chiefs should not be thinking small.
The defender’s confidence reflects the ambitions of a club that expects to compete for trophies. Whether Da Cruz can deliver on those expectations, however, will be judged by what happens on the pitch.
The question is no longer whether Kaizer Chiefs believe they can win the league — it is whether Fernando Da Cruz can turn that belief into a trophy.
