As the 2024/25 Betway Premiership season intensifies, Kaizer Chiefs have been dealt a significant blow, with the club confirming a major injury to talented defender Rushwin Dortley.
Dortley has been a key member of the Chiefs squad after joining the club in July 2024 from the Motsepe Foundation Championship side Cape Town Spurs.
In his first few months at Chiefs, Dortley formed a great centre-back pairing with Miguel Inacio under the guidance of coach Nasreddine Nabi. The left-footed defender has featured in 21 appearances in all competitions for the Glamour Boys, establishing himself as one of the best players in the Premiership.
Dortley’s impressive ball-playing abilities and defensive qualities have been recognised by the Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos, as the player has been a regular in the national team in recent times.
In what came as a big blow, Dortley sustained a knee injury earlier this month, and he has missed the last three matches for Chiefs. Amakhosi coach Nabi has placed his faith in Given Msimango to partner Miguel in the heart of the defence.
RUSHWIN DORTLEY HAS UNDERGONE A SUCCESSFUL SURGERY
The Soweto giants have now revealed that the 22-year-old has undergone a successful surgery. However, it’s unclear when he’s likely to return to the pitch.
As a result of the injury, the defender will miss out on Bafana’s upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers encounters. Bafana re set to take on Lesotho and Benin this month.
“Kaizer Chiefs defender Rushwin Dortley has successfully undergone knee surgery following an injury sustained during a recent league match at the beginning of the month,” Chiefs said on their website.
“The unfortunate incident left the talented player sidelined for the past three matches, against Magesi FC, Stellenbosch FC and Cape Town City and for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
“Dortley’s injury has also affected his international prospects. He was looking forward to representing Bafana Bafana in their upcoming World Cup qualifiers next week after making the preliminary squad list – a call-up that he will now have to sacrifice as he focuses on recovery.
“The surgery was deemed essential to ensure a full recovery, and reports indicate it went smoothly. Amakhosi’s medical team is optimistic about Dortley’s prognosis, which is encouraging both for the player and the club. While the timeline for his return remains uncertain, there is hope that he will be back on the field donning the iconic Gold & Black colours in the not too distant future.
“As the club rallies behind Rushwin during this challenging time, everyone wishes him a speedy recovery process and looks forward to seeing him back on the field, ready to contribute to the team’s success once again.”
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