Benson Mhlongo, a former Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates defender has highlighted the qualities that make Kaizer Chiefs’ Rushwin Dortley an elite defender.
Dortley, a promising young defender, joined Chiefs at the beginning of the current season after Cape Town Spurs were relegated from the South African top flight.
Despite his young age of 22, Dortley has quickly established himself as a key player for Amakhosi under new head coach Nasreddine Nabi. He has already made four appearances in various competitions and contributed to a clean sheet.
Dortley’s impressive performances for Chiefs have earned him a place in the Bafana Bafana squad, where he has earned four caps.
BENSON MHLONGO SAYS RUSHWIN DORTLEY HAS GREAT QUALITIES AS A DEFENDER
The 43-year-old Mhlongo is impressed by Dortley’s qualities as a centre-back. Mhlongo believes that Dortley’s passing ability, stamina, composure, and game intelligence make him a standout defender.
“When it comes to that boy [Rushwin Dortley], he’s a very good defender. I saw him playing for Bafana Bafana; he’s talented, and he’s still young,” Mhlongo told FARPost.
“He’s a good left-footed player and a good passer, and he reads the game very well. Well, he’s on a new team that has a new coach [Nabi]. If he’s given enough opportunity to play many matches, he will surely have a successful season.
“He has the stamina that’s needed from a defender, and what I like is that he’s very calm on the ball to ensure that play at the back is okay.
“I think he should also bear in mind that he will face competition. So he has to be consistent week in, week out at training and during matches.”
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