Rushwin Dortley earns Fernando Da Cruz praise after long-awaited Kaizer Chiefs return

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz praised Rushwin Dortley after the Bafana Bafana defender completed his long-awaited return from a 19-month injury absence.

Dortley played the full 90 minutes as Kaizer Chiefs beat TS Galaxy 3-0 in the Carling Knockout last-16 tie at FNB Stadium on Tuesday.

The centre-back had not played since 1 March 2025, missing 64 consecutive matches after a serious knee injury required two separate operations. His layoff kept him out of action for one year and seven months.

Dortley played an important role in the build-up to Kaizer Chiefs’ third goal, underlining the qualities that Da Cruz believes can make him a long-term asset for the club.

“Dortley has technical quality; he sees good space, he breaks the line to play the space,” Da Cruz said after the match.

“He is a very good header, and he is a player we need for a long time.”

Da Cruz also acknowledged the significance of the defender’s return, saying the 23-year-old had worked hard during his prolonged rehabilitation.

“I am very happy for Dortley as he hasn’t played in a long time, he’s worked very hard, and at the end of the game, he was very emotional for this comeback, so I’m very happy for him,” added the French coach.

The victory booked Kaizer Chiefs’ place in the Carling Knockout quarter-finals and provided a boost to Da Cruz’s technical team.

Dortley’s return, however, adds to competition for places in the Kaizer Chiefs defence. He will compete with Inacio Miguel, Thabo Moloisane and Zitha Kwinika for a regular starting position.

His performance against TS Galaxy could also put him in contention for Saturday’s Soweto Derby against Orlando Pirates at FNB Stadium, which kicks off at 15:30.