After a rollercoaster season, Kaizer Chiefs fans finally have something solid to look forward to—Rushwin Dortley is on his way back.
The 23-year-old defender from Cape Town had a promising start to life at Naturena, only for injury to strike just as he was finding his rhythm.
Now, with the 2025–2026 season looming, his return could feel like a brand-new signing.
Injury Cut Short a Breakout Season
Dortley had barely broken a sweat before making a strong impression in the Chiefs’ backline.
Calm, composed, and confident even in high-stakes matches, he looked like a natural fit for both club and country.
Sadly, his debut season came to an abrupt halt in March due to a serious injury that required surgery.
Up until that point, he had clocked 21 appearances across all competitions and was growing into one of the squad’s most reliable players.
Defensive Options Shifted in His Absence
Since Dortley’s injury, the defensive duties have fallen to Given Msimango and Inacio Miguel.
The duo have been holding things down at the back, but Dortley’s return adds depth, competition, and leadership to the defensive unit.
That said, Chiefs’ technical staff will likely ease him back in carefully, keeping his recovery in mind.
Chiefs’ Season Ended on a High Note
Let’s be honest, things looked pretty grim at one point during the 2024–2025 season.
A finish outside the top eight and no trophies would have been difficult for fans to swallow. But fortunes turned around late on.
Chiefs managed to clinch the Nedbank Cup—now proudly sitting in their trophy cabinet—and are fighting to secure MTN8 qualification with just two league games remaining.
Dortley’s Return Could Be a Game-Changer
With Rushwin Dortley set to return early in the new season, the timing couldn’t be better.
His composure and natural defensive instincts could give the team the edge they need, especially if the board adds a few more reinforcements in the transfer window.
His comeback is more than just good news—it could help set the tone for the new campaign.
Looking Ahead: Chiefs Eye Transfers and New Targets
While Dortley’s return is great news, Chiefs aren’t done yet.
There are already murmurs of potential raids on rivals like Orlando Pirates and possible dream signings that could shake up the first team.
Fans are encouraged to weigh in—should the club invest in even more defenders?