Former Kaizer Chiefs academy star Zitha Kwinika will return to Naturena next season after enjoying two impressive seasons with Stellenbosch FC.
Kwinika was the big winner at Stellenbosch's end of season awards ceremony on Tuesday evening where he walked away with the club's Players' Player of the Season and Footballer of the Season awards.
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The 28-year-old earned the set of coveted accolades after an impressive season with Stellies in which he featured in 26 of the club's 29 league matches to date and helped the team climb to fifth position in the DStv Premiership standings.
Kwinika's form for the Cape-based outfit had previously seen him attract interest from elsewhere and, upon bestowing the Footballer of the Season award on the defender, head coach Steve Barker confirmed he would be returning to Kaizer Chiefs at the end of the season.
The former South Africa youth international started his career in the academy of the Amakhosi before enjoying spells with Chippa United, Thanda Royal Zulu and Bidvest Wits, prior to joining Stellenbosch ahead of the 2020/21 campaign.
He has since made 56 appearances across all competitions for the Cape Winelands-based outfit and shared a fitting parting remark upon accepting his award from Barker.
"...I could say that I came here as grapes, and I will be ready to leave as wine," Kwinika said in part of his acceptance speech.
He is expected to make his final appearance for Stellenbosch in front of a home crowd this weekend when the club plays host to rivals Cape Town City in the Cape Town derby at the Danie Craven Stadium on Saturday.
