Rushwin Dortley quickly adapted to life at Kaizer Chiefs, showing great promise before a harsh injury prematurely ended his debut season with the Glamour Boys.
At just 23 years old, Dortley is expected to make his comeback early in the 2025-2026 season.
With Msimango and Inacio Miguel stepping up as the preferred defensive duo during his absence, Dortley’s return will add fresh strength to Chiefs’ backline.
Dortley’s Impact Before Injury
The first half of the season was tough for Chiefs overall, but Dortley stood out as a bright spot. The Cape Town-born centre-back impressed immediately, demonstrating composure and confidence in crucial matches for both Chiefs and South Africa. Losing him in March to surgery was a big setback for the team.
Having made 21 appearances across all competitions before his injury, Dortley had already become a key figure in the defense. His return feels like a new signing for the fans, injecting energy and stability at a vital time.
The technical staff will be careful easing him back after his long layoff, but seeing Dortley on the road to recovery is a huge boost for the club.
A Season with Silver Linings
Football can change rapidly, and Chiefs experienced just that. With narrow margins between success and disappointment, failing to win the Nedbank Cup or missing out on the top eight would have been tough to accept for supporters.
Instead, Chiefs lifted the Nedbank Cup and are poised to secure their place in the MTN8 competition for 2025-2026, with two games left to confirm their status.
