Kaizer Chiefs have secured the sought-after signature of young SA defender Rushwin Dortley, beating Stellenbosch FC and SuperSport United in the race for his services.
The 22-year-old left-footed centre-back, known for his ball-playing abilities and versatility, is seen as the perfect fit for newly appointed Amakhosi coach Nasreddine Nabi’s tactical vision.
Dortley, who captained the South African national team at the recent COSAFA Cup and was named Man of the Match, is considered one of the country’s most promising defensive talents.
Despite the club’s relegation, his impressive performances for Cape Town Spurs during the 2023/24 PSL season caught the attention of several top-flight clubs.
Nabi, who prefers a smaller squad with versatile players, sees Dortley as a valuable addition who can slot in at left-back and left-centre-back. The transfer is a significant coup for the Glamour Boys, who have lost Edmilson Dove and Bongani Sam to injury, leaving them short of options in the left-back and left-centre-back positions.
On the other hand, the Soweto giants recently released veteran fullback Sifiso Hlanti and central defender Njabulo Ngcobo at the end of their contracts. Luke Fleurs, another left-centre-back, passed on in April.
Dortley’s height, physical strength and ball-playing skills make him an ideal candidate for Nabi’s possession-based style of play, ensuring the team’s adaptability in different game situations.
WHY KAIZER CHIEFS’ CAPTURE OF RUSHWIN DORTLEY IS IMPORTANT
While he will face competition from Botswana international Thatayaone Ditlhokwe for a starting spot, his age and potential for growth make him a long-term investment for the club.
His leadership qualities and experience with all youth national teams further enhance his value to the squad, instilling confidence in the future of Chiefs.
Dortley’s move to Chiefs not only fulfils his ambition to play for a top PSL club but also keeps his dream of playing in Europe alive.
The defender, who had a training assessment with FC Nordsjælland two years ago, will be hoping to use this platform to showcase his talent on a bigger stage.
Dortley’s arrival addresses this issue and strengthens the team’s defensive capabilities ahead of the new season.
With his talent, versatility and leadership qualities, Dortley is poised to make a significant impact at Naturena and become a key figure in the club’s future success.
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