Latest news with #RushwinDortley
Daily Maverick
3 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Maverick
Kaizer Chiefs defender Rushwin Dortley beating injury blues as he eyes strong comeback
The young player has had a tough journey to recovery but is ready to fulfil his aspirations. One moment Rushwin Dortley was living a fairy tale-like life, playing for one of the biggest clubs in Africa – Kaizer Chiefs. He had also managed to establish himself as a vital cog in Hugo Broos's Bafana Bafana team just months after joining Chiefs. The Belgian is not an easy person to impress, but Dortley quickly convinced Broos to make him part of his plans. By all accounts, the Cape Town-born defender was on top of the world. Then, in March, his fairy tale was shattered by a serious knee injury during a league match against Mamelodi Sundowns. It required surgery and sidelined him for the rest of the 2024/25 season. Injuries are part of sport, especially one as physical as soccer. Nevertheless, it was a disappointing development after the player's stocks had risen drastically during the first half of last season, thanks to his commanding performances in the backline. Uncharted territory Dortley (23) had never had such a serious injury, and at the time it happened he was one of the few shining lights in a struggling Chiefs team. As a result, he had to watch from the sidelines as Amakhosi toiled in the Premiership, eventually finishing ninth. He featured in just one match during Amakhosi's successful Nedbank Cup campaign last season – the 3-0 win over Chippa United in the round of 16. In the end, Amakhosi didn't need Dortley, as they ended a 10-year trophy drought by beating Soweto rivals Orlando Pirates 2-1 in the final of the Cup. Chiefs' long-awaited silverware success brought mixed feelings for Dortley. On the one hand, he was elated to be part of this Chiefs group that had finally ended the side's barren trophy run. But he was disappointed not to have played a major part in their success. 'It's been tough being on the sidelines watching the team, especially with the Nedbank Cup… the team winning it and me not being able to participate. But the team winning it gives me a sense of happiness – hope that we can keep going for the upcoming season,' Dortley told Daily Maverick. 'At the moment, I'm at a good stage with my recovery. I'm pushing my rehab because I want to be back before the league starts. I'm looking forward to playing again, to helping the team,' he said. When he arrived at Chiefs a year ago, after joining from the relegated Cape Town Spurs, Dortley quickly adapted to his new surroundings to become one of the first players Amakhosi coach Nasreddine Nabi selected when crafting his starting line-up. Dortley says the key to his quick adaptation at Naturena Village (Chiefs' headquarters) was his positive mentality and hunger to succeed, as well as everyone at the club welcoming him warmly. The side landed his signature from Spurs amid major interest from other Premiership clubs after Dortley had impressed in his debut top-flight season with Spurs. It was a major coup for Chiefs, who have struggled to attract quality players in recent seasons because of their on-field woes. 'It's your hard work and your talent on the training pitch that will put you in the starting 11… I always try to remember why Chiefs brought me to the club, what they saw. 'And that's just what I continue doing, to play my game and to help the club,' Dortley said. A rare breed What exactly did Amakhosi see? For one, Dortley is a rare breed since there are not many left-footed centre backs in soccer. In addition, he is extremely comfortable with the ball at his feet and thus able to initiate attacks from defence. During his rapid rise to prominence in South African football, Dortley has endeared himself to the country as a whole, not just to the Amakhosi faithful, but because of his performances for Broos's Bafana Bafana. He made the starting 11 in what was his first official call-up to South Africa's senior men's soccer team. Bafana Bafana drew 2-2 with Uganda during Dortley's debut game in September 2024, in an Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier, but the defender did enough to convince the technical team that he is an asset. Subsequently, he played every single minute of South Africa's successful Afcon qualification campaign for the 2025 tournament, which will take place in Morocco from 21 December. The prospect of representing his country at the tournament has been a major driving force in Dortley's recovery efforts. 'Playing for Bafana and wearing that jersey is an honour. Again, for me it's just about playing my game, doing what I've been doing at Chiefs, which is the reason the coach called me. And just to do my best and help the country to qualify for major tournaments,' Dortley said about his goals with Bafana. 'On the Afcon, it's a dream to be part of the national team to go to the tournament… So, it's just for me to get back to playing, help the club, play my game and for the national team coach to hopefully include me in his plans,' he added. Cape Town woes Dortley is one of the latest products of Cape Town's soccer conveyor belt, which has produced players such as Benni McCarthy. Naturally, he saw it as a major blow for South African soccer that his former team, Spurs, was recently relegated to the third tier a season after falling out of the top flight. Not long after Spurs dropped down to the third tier, Cape Town City also tumbled out of the Premiership to the second tier after losing to Orbit College in the promotion-relegation playoffs. Dortley says it is unfortunate that there will be no Cape Town team in the South African top flight next season, but he's hopeful that both teams can bounce back. 'There was hope when Cape Town Spurs got relegated that Cape Town City would still represent Cape Town in the Premiership. But they will come back, both teams,' he said. 'I'm sure the owners [of Spurs] will do what they have to do for Cape Town football, for the youth, because Cape Town Spurs are huge for the youth. They just produce, it's just another level of an academy. The owners know the importance of the club in Cape Town and they will do their best. 'The same with Cape Town City. I'm sure they will do their best to win promotion back into the Premiership. 'It's football and these things happen. Hopefully they will come back stronger.' Dortley, too, will be hoping to return stronger than he was before his injury setback. His comeback can only be positive for a Chiefs team hoping to be a force in South African soccer once more. DM This story first appeared in our weekly Daily Maverick 168 newspaper, which is available countrywide for R35.
The South African
22-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs rumours: Ighodaro, Velebayi, Baartman, Dortley
Today's Kaizer Chiefs rumour wrap looks at a fitness update on Rushwin Dortley and the latest regarding potential arrivals. Etiosa Ighodaro's much-anticipated move to Chiefs has hit a snag. Meanwhile, Chiefs will need to be patient in their dual pursuit of Cape Town Spurs duo Asanele Velebayi and Luke Baartman. Kaizer Chiefs rumours: Ozoemena, Pirates 'betrayal' Rumours have abounded that 24-year-old Nigerian marksman Etiosa Ighodaro is set for a switch to Chiefs. However, he's keeping 'There's been a lot of talk about Ighodaro joining Chiefs, but the reports suggesting he has signed are inaccurate,' an insider told Soccer Laduma . 'He is still assessing his options both locally and abroad. Nothing has been concluded.' Kaizer Chiefs have wrapped up half a dozen new signings and there's another one on the way from the beautiful Mother City of Cape Town. Click for the story The first half of the campaign was one to forget for Chiefs. Rushwin Dortley, however, was one of the true bright sparks of a season threatening to peter out into nothing. The 23-year-old central defender from Cape Town immediately looked assured and at home in big matches for Chiefs, and indeed South Africa. Losing Dortley in March was a massive blow as the youngster needed surgery. We could see him back in action near the start of the 2025-2026 campaign. That would feel like a new signing for the fans. Dortley quickly became a key pillar in the defence, making 21 appearances across all competitions before being struck down. The technical team will need to be cautious when they reintroduce him to the fold after such a lengthy layoff, but it's undoubtedly a huge plus to see him on the comeback trail. 'Rushwin Dortley is running around a pitch, which is nearly empty – well, except for physiotherapist Phumzile Ngobese, who is monitoring the defender's run closely,' Amakhosi announced on 15 July. Click for the full update Will Chiefs finish in the top eight next season? Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
22-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Finally, some good news for Kaizer Chiefs fans
Kaizer Chiefs are upping their preparations before the start of the 2025-2026 Betway Premiership season, and there's some good news. Rushwin Dortley is nearing a return to action The 23-year-old central defender underwent knee surgery in March. Pitso Mosimane's son heads to Italy The first half of the campaign was one to forget for Chiefs. Rushwin Dortley, however, was one of the true bright sparks of a season threatening to peter out into nothing. The 23-year-old central defender from Cape Town immediately looked assured and at home in big matches for Chiefs, and indeed South Africa. Losing Dortley in March was a massive blow as the youngster needed surgery. We could see him back in action near the start of the 2025-2026 campaign. That would feel like a new signing for the fans. Dortley quickly became a key pillar in the defence, making 21 appearances across all competitions before being struck down. The technical team will need to be cautious when they reintroduce him to the fold after such a lengthy layoff, but it's undoubtedly a huge plus to see him on the comeback trail. 'Rushwin Dortley is running around a pitch, which is nearly empty – well, except for physiotherapist Phumzile Ngobese, who is monitoring the defender's run closely,' Amakhosi announced on 15 July. 'The Amakhosi squad is training at another field of the Dutch amateur side WWNA in Wenum-Wiesell, which is basically next to Kaizer Chiefs' hotel in Apeldoorn. Dortley is partly jogging; at other times, he increases his pace.' Kaizer Chiefs defender Rushwin Dortley returns. Image: @KaizerChiefs/X Ethan Chislett Nkanyiso Shinga Flavio Silva Thabiso Monyane Paseka Mako Siphesihle Ndlovu BURNT BRIDGES: The REAL reason why Kaizer Chiefs fumbled Appollis Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
15-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Kaizer Chiefs star Rushwin Dortley shares injury update after knee surgery
Now on the mend, Dortley is taking his recovery one day at a time as the club is being put through its paces on a pre-season tour to the Netherlands. The injury to his knee required surgery, and he was ruled out for the remainder of the season. Without their star defender, Amakhosi struggled and finished ninth in the league. However, they did go on to win the Nedbank Cup . Kaizer Chiefs' Rushwin Dortley has given an update on his recovery after undergoing knee surgery earlier this year. "This is my first serious injury that needed an operation," the player was quoted by the club's website. 'One has to be strong mentally, as you want to play, but you can't. It's not easy, but I do know that there is light at the end of the tunnel.' Dortley has also shed light on his support system as he goes through what must be a tough ordeal for a professional sportsman. "I have a lot of support from my family. My girlfriend, my father, my mother, my brother... They are all playing a huge role on my road to full recovery." He is also gaining strength from the support of some of his teammates as he nears full recovery. "That's how the team is," Dortley said. "If one is injured, we can all feel the loss of a player. We are one." IOL Sport
The South African
15-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs: Rushwin Dortley provides injury update
Kaizer Chiefs defender Rushwin Dortley has spoken for the first time since he sustained a serious injury in March. The 23-year-old Bafana Bafana star has not played a game in four months and but is now part of the Amakhosi squad for the Netherlands pre-season tour. Having seriously injured his knee, surgery was required, forcing the young defender to miss the rest of the season. 'I was tackled from the side,' Rushwin Dortley reflected on the incident. No yellow card was given to the opponent,' he was quoted on Kaizer Chiefs website. After the operation, the left foot had to start walking again, just to strengthen the muscles slowly. 'This is my first serious injury that needed an operation,' Dortley added. 'It has been a tough few months. One has to be strong mentally, as you want to play, but you can't. It's not easy, but I do know that there is light at the end of the tunnel.' Amakhosi Physiotherapist Ngobese agrees with Dortley's sentiments. 'It's tough for a player not to be part of the team operation. 'However, Rushwin is working tremendously hard, continuously pushing himself.' Dortley's injury meant he had to the Chiefs' headquarters at The Village every day during the off-season, to train on his own. Dortley is happy that he could join his fellow Glamour Boys for their pre-season training session in the Netherlands. 'I have a lot of support from my family. My girlfriend, my father, my mother, my brother… They are all playing a huge role on my road to full recovery.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
