Kaizer Chiefs fans have plenty to be excited about as the club anticipates the comeback of one of their brightest young talents, central defender Rushwin Dortley.
The 23-year-old defender, who joined from Cape Town Spurs, quickly established himself as a cornerstone for both Chiefs and the South African national team, Bafana Bafana.
His absence has been deeply felt, and supporters are eager to see him back in action.
Dortley’s Early Impact Before Injury
The first half of the season was a turbulent one for Kaizer Chiefs, but Dortley stood out as a shining light.
From the moment he stepped onto the pitch, he displayed maturity and composure, handling big-game pressure with ease.
Unfortunately, March brought a setback when he required surgery, sidelining him during a critical period.
Before his injury, Dortley had made 21 appearances across all competitions, proving to be a vital pillar in the team’s defense.
Cautious Steps Towards a Comeback
The coaching and medical staff are taking no chances with Dortley’s return. After a lengthy recovery, he’s slowly getting back to full training.
Since July, the defender has been back on the grass under careful supervision.
As the club shared on 15 July, “Rushwin Dortley is running around a pitch, which is nearly empty – well, except for physiotherapist Phumzile Ngobese, who is monitoring the defender’s run closely.”
This measured approach ensures he comes back fully fit, minimizing the risk of setbacks.
Chiefs’ Season in Context
Football can change in the blink of an eye, and for Chiefs, this season has been a mix of highs and lows.
While failing to win the Nedbank Cup or finishing outside the top eight could have disappointed fans, the team managed to secure the cup and began the 2025-2026 campaign positively.
Despite a recent loss to Sekhukhune, Dortley’s eventual return promises to reinforce the squad at a crucial time.
Squad Changes on the Horizon
Coach Nasreddine Nabi has also hinted that some fringe players may be on their way out before the transfer window closes on 22 September.
The aim is to streamline the squad and give younger players more opportunities elsewhere.
Nabi explained, “It’s true that the squad is big and the technical staff, management, the sporting director, Kaizer Junior, is working on options to try offload the squad, to give some players, who didn’t have consistency or time to get more game-time, to other teams.
Some young players need to get the experience needed for the PSL at other clubs; everyone is aware of that and aware of what will take place.”
Looking Ahead
With Rushwin Dortley steadily progressing in training and the squad adjustments underway, Kaizer Chiefs are positioning themselves for a stronger second half of the season.
Fans can look forward to seeing their promising defender back in action, hopefully helping the team challenge for more silverware and consistency in the league.