Kaizer Chiefs defender Zitha Kwinika believes the club’s young players are ready to shoulder the responsibility that comes with representing one of the biggest clubs in South African football.
Chiefs have increasingly entrusted their youngsters with offensive responsibilities this season, with five of their eight goals coming from players aged 22 or younger.
That approach has also been reflected in their recruitment, with the club bringing in a number of young players as Fernando da Cruz continues to shape his squad.
The strategy raises questions about whether Chiefs can maintain their progress while relying so heavily on players still developing their careers.
Kwinika, however, believes age should not be used as a measure of whether a player is capable of performing for Amakhosi.
“There’s no small players at Kaizer Chiefs, this is Kaizer Chiefs and they know the responsibility (that comes with that),” he said.
The defender believes signing for Chiefs immediately changes the expectations placed on a player, regardless of their age or experience.
“We’re moving away from that mentality of small players and big players, we are all here to represent (the club) and we all know what’s required. Once you sign on the dotted line, you are told what’s at stake and what’s required of you to survive here.”
Chiefs’ younger players have already made an impression this season, with Langelihle Phili, Luke Baartman, Mduduzi Shabalala and Mfundo Vilakazi among those to feature prominently in Da Cruz’s plans.
Phili, who joined Chiefs from Stellenbosch, has already scored in the Betway Premiership, while Baartman and Shabalala have also contributed in attack.
Kwinika believes the youngsters understand that playing for Chiefs is more than simply an opportunity to gain experience.
“These are big boys, they are here working for their families and they know what it takes to represent the badge.”
The defender’s comments underline the changing approach at Naturena, where young players are not merely being introduced into the first team but are being expected to contribute immediately.
For Da Cruz, that trust has also provided the squad with a different dynamic as Chiefs look to build a team capable of challenging on multiple fronts.
And with five of their eight goals already coming from players aged 22 or younger, the early evidence suggests the youngsters are responding to the responsibility being placed on them.
