The Star Early Edition

Kwinika heading back to Chiefs

- ZAAHIER ADAMS zaahier.adams@inl.co.za

KAIZER Chiefs may still be in denial but Stellenbos­ch FC defender Zitha Kwinika is on his way back to Naturena next season.

Kwinika, who was named Stellenbos­ch FC Players’ Player of the Year and Player of the Year on Tuesday evening, bid farewell to the Winelands club at the gala function.

“I could say that I came here as grapes, and I will be ready to leave as wine," he said upon receiving his prize.

The 28-year-old has long been linked with the Amakhosi after his superb performanc­es in the heart of the Stellenbos­ch defence this season. His displays have been critical in Stellies conceding just 23 goals - joint third least in the DStv Premiershi­p behind champions Mamelodi Sundowns and Sekhukhune United.

The move back to Gauteng completes a full circle for Kwinika after he was part of the Soweto giants’ academy as a youngster before former coach Steve Komphela moved him on to Chippa and then Wits prior to arriving in the Western Cape.

“I’d like to wish Zitha well. He’s going back to his boyhood club, where he’s developed,” Stellenbos­ch coach Steve Barker said.

“Zitha will go back to Kaizer Chiefs, he deserves everything of the best. We wish him well, but be aware, we’re coming for you.”

Chiefs stand-in coach Arthur Zwane was, however, not as forthcomin­g when asked upon Kwinika’s pending arrival yesterday.

“To be quite honest, big man, we will leave that to the club,” Zwane said. “As you know we are about to sit down with the whole technical staff in terms of what is going to happen going forward.

“I think next week we will have that meeting. So, as to whose coming in and whose going out, I can’t say at the moment.”

The unfancied Stellies outfit completed the double over Amakhosi this season, with Kwinika impressing in both encounters at the FNB Stadium and Danie Craven Stadium.

Kwinika was particular­ly adept at keeping Chiefs’ vaunted attacking threat at bay, keeping a close eye on Zimbabwean hit-man Khama Billiant as Stellenbos­ch kept a clean sheet in both matches.

The Stellenbos­ch faithful will have an opportunit­y to bid farewell to a stalwart who served the club well in 56 matches over the last two years on Saturday when Stellies host neighbours Cape Town City in iKapa derby at Danie Craven Stadium.

There is plenty at stake for both teams with City hoping to secure second place, which will assure them of a first CAF Champions League campaign next season, while Stellies will be looking to overtake Chiefs to grab fourth spot.

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