Kaizer Chiefs’ Rushwin Dortley closes in on competitive return after injury lay-off

Kaizer Chiefs defender Rushwin Dortley is edging closer to a return to competitive football after head coach Fernando Da Cruz confirmed the centre-back has begun playing matches again.

The 24-year-old has been out of action for more than a year following a serious knee injury sustained in March 2025. The injury required two separate operations and ruled him out for the entirety of the previous season.

Dortley officially joined Kaizer Chiefs ahead of the 2024/25 campaign and has since endured an 18-month injury crisis. His recovery has been carefully managed, but Da Cruz says the defender is now nearer to a first-team comeback than at any point since being sidelined.

“He started playing games,” Da Cruz told journalists after Kaizer Chiefs’ match against Richards Bay FC in Durban.

“He played with us in a friendly last Friday; also yesterday (Tuesday) he played with the DDC. So we are giving him minutes, but we also want to take time with him to make sure that when he comes back, he will be ready 100%.”

Dortley featured in a friendly with Kaizer Chiefs’ first team before turning out for the DDC side on Tuesday. The club is using those appearances to gradually increase his match fitness while avoiding a rushed return.

The medical staff continue to monitor his daily training workload closely, with the aim of ensuring he is fully prepared before being considered for an official fixture.

His comeback would provide a significant boost to Da Cruz’s defensive options. Kaizer Chiefs are currently short of natural centre-backs, and Dortley’s left-footed profile makes him particularly valuable to the Amakhosi backline.

That need has become more pressing following the departure of academy graduate Aden McCarthy. McCarthy left the club to join Azerbaijan outfit Sabah FK, leaving Dortley as Kaizer Chiefs’ only natural left-footed centre-back.

The club’s supporters will therefore be encouraged by signs of progress from a player who has spent a prolonged period recovering from a devastating injury. However, Da Cruz’s comments indicate that the priority remains a complete and safe recovery rather than an immediate return to competitive action.

Kaizer Chiefs are now preparing for their next Betway Premiership fixture as they attempt to build momentum in the domestic league. They will host Siwelele F.C. on Saturday, 5 September.

The match will be played at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Phokeng, with kick-off scheduled for 11:00.