Kaizer Chiefs defender Zita Qwinnika expressed confidence that the club's young footballers are capable of shouldering the burden of representing one of South Africa's largest football clubs. He noted that there are no 'small players' at the club.
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In the current season, Asanele Velebayi and Luke Bartman stand out as bright young stars at Kaizer Chiefs. Qwinnika believes that the club's youth is ready to bear the responsibility associated with playing for one of South Africa's leading clubs.
This season, the Chiefs management has increasingly assigned attacking tasks to young players; five of the team's eight goals were scored by players aged 22 or under. This approach is also reflected in the recruitment work, as Fernando da Cruz continues to shape the squad.
However, this strategy raises questions about whether the team can maintain its progress by relying on players whose careers are still in the formative stages. Nevertheless, Qwinnika asserts that age should not determine a player's ability to play for Amakhosi.
He emphasized: 'There are no small players at Kaizer Chiefs; it is Kaizer Chiefs, and they know about this responsibility (which comes with it).' The defender believes that joining Chiefs immediately changes expectations from a player, regardless of their experience or age.
'We move away from the mentality of small and big players; we are all here to represent (the club), and we all know what is required. As soon as you sign a contract, you are told what is at stake and what is required of you to survive here,' he added.
The young players of Chiefs have already made an impression this season. Notable among them are Langelihle Phili, Luke Bartman, Mduduzi Shabalaala, and Mfundu Vilakazi, who frequently feature in Da Cruz's plans. Phili, who moved to Chiefs from Stellenbosch, has already scored in the Betway Premier League, and Bartman and Shabalaala have also contributed to the attack.
Qwinnika is convinced that the youth understands that playing for Chiefs is more than just an opportunity to gain experience. 'These are big guys; they are here working for their families and know what it takes to represent the badge.'
The defender's comments highlight a changing approach in Naturena, where young players are not just brought into the first team but are expected to make an immediate contribution. For Da Cruz, this trust has also given the team a different dynamic as Chiefs strives to build a collective capable of competing on multiple fronts. Given that five of the eight goals have already been scored by players under 22, early data suggests that the youth is meeting the responsibility placed upon them.