Kaizer Chiefs’ new central defensive pairing of Inacio Miguel and Rushwin Dortley has caught the eye of club legend Tefu Mashamaite.
The last captain to lead Amakhosi to silverware back in 2015, Mashamaite has highlighted several key strengths in the duo’s early performances, offering hope that they could be the solution to the club’s long-standing defensive woes.
Amakhosi fans have long awaited a reliable defensive pairing reminiscent of the Mashamaite-Mathoho era, and this new duo is offering a glimmer of hope.
Chiefs’ leaky defence has been a persistent concern, with the team conceding 33 goals in the 2022/23 season and 30 in 2023/24.
This stands in stark contrast to the impressive record set by Mashamaite and Erick Mathoho in 2014/15, where they conceded a mere 14 goals in 30 matches.
That season, Mashamaite’s dominant performances earned him the PSL Footballer of the Season, Players’ Player of the Season, and Absa Premiership Defender of the Season awards, highlighting his crucial role in Chiefs’ league and MTN8 triumphs.
Coach Nasreddine Nabi has shown confidence in Miguel and Dortley, starting them together in the first three matches of the season. Although they have conceded four goals in three games, Mashamaite sees positive signs in their early performances.
WHAT KEY STRENGTHS HAS TEFU MASHAMAITE IDENTIFIED IN THE MIGUEL/DORTLEY PARTNERSHIP
“You can’t really fault them; they’re still getting to know each other,” Mashamaite told FARPost. “It’s looking good. When you look at how they command the lines and go into duels, this is something that has been lacking in the Chiefs defence for a very long time.”
Mashamaite emphasised the leadership qualities and commanding presence that Miguel and Dortley bring to the backline, creating an “aura of invincibility” that has been absent in recent years. Even during periods of relative success, defensive vulnerabilities have often undermined Chiefs’ progress.
“Sometimes, when you look at the defence [as an opposition striker], you can tell that it’s going to be a mountain to climb. They have that,” Mashamaite explained. “They have the aura of invincibility. I feel like that’s what Chiefs needed.”
He believes this partnership can provide the stability and consistency the team desperately needs. “Even in those seasons when Chiefs were doing well upfront, they would be let down by the defence. Now, that balance is starting to take shape.”
Drawing on his experience with Mathoho, Mashamaite highlighted the importance of balance and understanding within a defensive partnership.
“A lot of times when you get similar defenders, chances are there’ll be one thing lacking,” he said. “With me and Erick Mathoho, I knew how to read the situations, but I wasn’t the quickest. On the other hand, he was very quick but still young. So we could guide each other.”
He also stressed the importance of selflessness and a willingness to “die for your partner.” This camaraderie and shared responsibility, he argues, are vital for building a solid defensive foundation.
While it’s still early in the season, the performances of Miguel and Dortley offer hope to the Amakhosi faithful. If they continue to develop their partnership, they could be instrumental in ushering in a new era of success for the club.
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