Kaizer Chiefs defender Zitha Kwinika has stressed the importance of beating Richards Bay as Amakhosi look to maintain their strong start to the Betway Premiership season.
Kwinika starts at centre-back as Chiefs face Richards Bay at Princess Magogo Stadium on Wednesday night.

The experienced defender will partner with Inacio Miguel in the heart of the defence. Luke Baartman leads the Chiefs attack alongside Mfundo Vilakazi and Pule Mmodi.

Richards Bay have proved difficult opponents for Chiefs, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal. They have won their last three home matches against Amakhosi. Kwinika says Chiefs have changed their approach to matches against teams they are expected to beat.

“Richards Bay is one of those teams that when you play against, it’s difficult,” Kwinika told the Chiefs media department.
“We give them the respect, but we also have our plan. We have our objectives, so we know what to expect from them. We prepared very well for them.”

Chiefs have collected seven points from their opening three matches. Kwinika believes these are the matches that could determine whether they remain near the top of the table.

“This season we are in a different mission of saying the games that we need to collect points are such games,” he said.
“What we must do is win these games, not mainly focus on the big games.

“But now the attitude has changed. This is a big game. These are very important points for us.”

With Baartman leading the attack, Chiefs will hope their new-look frontline can deliver the goals needed to challenge for another crucial three points.
Richards Bay XI: Otieno, Mcineka, Ndelu, Sikhakhane, Mabuya, Mntungwa, Nashixwa, Mthembu, Khumalo, Gumede, Xulu
Subs: Mtshali, Simelane, Shezi, Zikhali, Mbambo, Nzama, Ndelu, Barns, Mahala

Chiefs XI: Petersen, Monyane, Miguel, Kwinika, Moloisane, Maboe, Ndlovu, Shabalala, Mmodi, Vilakazi, Baartman
Subs: Leaner, Solomons, Frosler, Mthethwa, Mtasingwa, Duba, Ighodaro, Velebayi, Abrahams

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