Junior Khanye questions Kaizer Chiefs’ decision to leave Rushwin Dortley out of Soweto derby

iDiski TV analyst Junior Khanye has challenged Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz’s decision to select Inacio Miguel instead of Rushwin Dortley in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat by Orlando Pirates in the Soweto Derby.

Chiefs suffered their first Betway Premiership loss of the season at FNB Stadium, with Yanela Mbuthuma and Tshepang Moremi scoring for Orlando Pirates. Pule Mmodi replied for Amakhosi, but the reigning bragging rights went to Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side.

Khanye was particularly surprised by Dortley’s omission after the defender helped Chiefs keep a clean sheet in their 3-0 Carling Knockout Cup victory over TS Galaxy the previous week.

Speaking on iDiski TV, Khanye said Da Cruz had made a mistake by changing his defensive pairing.

“The Chiefs coach made a blunder. I don’t understand why he’s putting Dortley outside,” he said.

“Where’s the continuity as a team? Starting with the coach as a leader.”

Khanye argued that the players who had performed well against TS Galaxy should have been given another opportunity in the derby.

“These guys they never conceded [against Galaxy]. If that game had ended 4-1, 3-2, 3-1, you could understand they conceded,” he said.

“Now, solid performance. Leave two of them – Moloisane and Dortley so you can see what they can give you [as a coach].”

Instead, Da Cruz started Miguel, who was later sent off during the match. Khanye also criticised the defender’s style and timing in challenges.

“Now, you start with Miguel, worse is he got a red card in today’s [Saturday] game. He’s more of a sweeper but is always late which doesn’t make sense for me.”

The result extended Chiefs’ winless run in the league to four matches, leaving them fifth in the Betway Premiership standings.

Orlando Pirates moved to the top of the table after their victory, although they were second after Mamelodi Sundowns beat Durban City 4-1.