Kaizer Chiefs defender Rushwin Dortley steps up comeback ahead of Soweto derby

Kaizer Chiefs defender Rushwin Dortley is expected to return from the FIFA break in better condition as he continues rebuilding his fitness following a lengthy injury absence.

The 24-year-old has already played in friendly matches since being cleared to return and was included on the bench for Chiefs’ league fixture against Golden Arrows, with his knee strapped.

It was the first time Dortley had been named in a matchday squad since Chiefs’ defeat by Mamelodi Sundowns on 1 March 2025, when Nasreddine Nabi was still in charge.

Dortley has endured an 18-month absence and missed 63 matches for AmaKhosi. He has undergone two operations, while his recovery also meant he missed the Africa Cup of Nations finals earlier this year and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

During his absence, Bafana Bafana have developed further options at left centre-back, with Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Khulumani Ndamane and Samkelo Kabini now competing for the position.

Chiefs have taken a cautious approach to Dortley’s return, but head coach Fernando da Cruz will want to give him playing time before the Soweto derby against Orlando Pirates on 31 October.

Before that fixture, Chiefs have a CAF Confederation Cup tie against Zambian club Red Arrows, one league match and a Carling KnockOut first-round game to complete.

Dortley is now training fully and needs only to regain his match fitness. Da Cruz previously explained why the club has been careful with the defender’s workload.

“He underwent surgery twice, so we have to be careful,” said Da Cruz a month ago.

“We need to get him back to his best and train a little with the group in small sequences.

“For now, he has done individual and collective work, but we manage him every day and every week.

“So, we will go step by step because we don’t want him to have another injury again when he comes back.

“We have to be careful because the injuries he had were serious, but we are in link with the medical staff, so we manage his training load.

“He is a player that I knew two years ago, so I know his quality and how it will be beneficial to the team this season when he comes back.

“It will take time for him to come back, but when he comes back, he will be 100% ready,” Da Cruz added.