Key factor behind Broos’ decision to add Rushwin Dortley to Bafana squad
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has shed light on the key factor influencing his decision to add Kaizer Chiefs defender Rushwin Dortley to the national team squad for the upcoming AFCON qualifiers.
Dortley, who joined Chiefs on a three-year deal with a one-year option after impressing at Cape Town Spurs, has earned a Bafana Bafana call-up for the 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Uganda and South Sudan in September.
His standout performance last season at CT Spurs attracted the attention of several top teams, including ‘Amakhosi’, who secured his services ahead of the 2024/25 PSL season.
The 22-year-old defender featured in 26 league appearances for Cape Town Spurs last campaign, but unfortunately, the club was relegated back to the Motsepe Foundation Championship. Despite the club’s failure to avoid the axe, Dortley’s strong performances were recognised. He also captained Bafana Bafana during the 2024 COSAFA, showcasing his leadership skills.
BROOS REVEALS KEY TO DORTLEY’S BAFANA CALL-UP
Broos has said that Rushwin Dortley’s left-footedness was a primary factor in his selection for Bafana.
The Belgian tactician has long sought a left-footed defender to strengthen his squad, and Dortley’s qualities align perfectly with his requirements.
In addition to his left-footedness, the Chiefs centre-back possesses several other qualities that make him a valuable asset to Bafana Bafana. He is versatile and capable of playing both left-centre back and left-back. He is also physically imposing, possessing pace, strength, and height. Dortley also has leadership qualities
Offensively, Dortley has a knack for scoring goals, particularly from set-pieces. His aerial ability and powerful strike make him a threat in the box, adding another dimension to his game.
“First of all, he is a left-footed central defender, till now we didn’t have that, since I arrived in SA I don’t think I have had a left-footed central defender,” said Broos.
“So we looked for it, but we did not find him, and now suddenly he is here, and he was with us at the COSAFA Cup, and we saw him last year, but he was at Cape Town Spurs, and we asked the club to release him for COSAFA, and he was released, and he played.
“We were convinced that this may be the right time to select him for Bafana Bafana,” added Broos.
Bafana Bafana will take on Uganda at Orlando Stadium on September 6th before travelling to South Sudan four days later, aiming for a good start to their 2025 AFCON qualifying campaign.
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