Kaizer Chiefs coach Jambo sets out pathway for Dortley and Rugunanan

Kaizer Chiefs’ Under-18 side have been crowned 2026 Engen Champ of Champs winners, with youth coach Jimmy Jambo identifying Emile Dortley and Tashiel ‘Tash’ Rugunanan among the youngsters pushing towards senior football.

The Chiefs team, representing Gauteng, secured the national title with a 3-0 victory over East High Academy of Mpumalanga in Sunday’s final.

Jambo said the triumph reflected a successful campaign that began with victory in the Gauteng qualifying tournament.

“You know first things first, congratulations to the Kaizer Chiefs family for the victory, being crowned champions of the Champ of Champs,” he said.

“The journey started in Jo’burg when we won the Gauteng one. Usually when you win in Gauteng, it becomes easier when you progress. You play against big teams like Sundowns, Wits and all these teams we play with week in and week out.

“So when you come to the Champ of Champs, the teams you need to avoid are teams from Cape Town or Durban, I think we did well, meeting those teams in the semi-finals and the final.”

The former Kaizer Chiefs left-back, speaking at the University of Pretoria after the team’s success, also offered a measured assessment of the players’ readiness for the first team and reserve side.

Dortley is already involved with the club’s DStv Diski Challenge team, although Jambo believes the players will need time and continued guidance before making the step up to senior football.

“If you were to compare for the first team, some of them are not ready but gradually we’re slowly going to help them throughout the season, because our GDL season is coming to an end but the DDC has just started, so let’s see how they push through, the likes of Emile (Dortley), how he is going to be in the DDC,” Jambo said.

He added that Dortley could soon be considered for the first team if he continues to conduct himself properly, but stressed that the club would not rush the development process.

“If he holds himself right, probably he has to go to the first team. So for now let’s help them to go through those steps, because it’s part of development, you must not rush them so they can go through all the development process.”

Jambo was also asked about Rugunanan’s prospects after the left-back was named Player of the Tournament in the Gauteng leg before receiving the Defender of the Tournament award at the Champ of Champs finals.

He said the teenager was already part of the DDC squad and could feature for the side as soon as its next match.

“Anytime, it might be next week. He is actually part of the DDC team already. I think in the next game you should be able to see him playing for DDC,” Jambo said.