Rushwin Dortley nears Kaizer Chiefs return after lengthy injury absence

Kaizer Chiefs defender Rushwin Dortley is closing in on a return to competitive football after spending more than 18 months out with injury.

The left-footed defender has already begun featuring in friendly matches and has also played in Kaizer Chiefs’ DDC pre-season fixtures, according to coach Da Cruz. His involvement represents a significant step forward after an absence that kept him out for roughly a season and a half.

Da Cruz says Dortley is now approaching the stage where he can be given minutes in competitive matches. However, the French coach stressed that Kaizer Chiefs will manage the defender’s return carefully because of the prolonged period he has spent away from first-team action.

“Dortley will start to play games [soon],” said Da Cruz.

“He firstly played a friendly match in the last Friday, and also yesterday [Tuesday], he played with the DDC.

“So, we will give him minutes but we will take time with him. We want to be sure that when he comes back he will be ready 100%.”

Dortley’s progress provides a positive boost for Kaizer Chiefs as they prepare for their next fixture against Siwelele. The match is scheduled to take place on 5 August at FNB Stadium.

The Phefeni Glamour Boys will be aiming to return to winning ways in that game after drawing their last two matches. Dortley’s gradual reintegration gives the club another option in defence, although Da Cruz’s comments make clear that the player’s recovery will not be rushed.

Rather than immediately returning to a full competitive workload, Dortley is expected to build up his playing time through carefully managed appearances. His friendly match last Friday and his participation with the DDC on Tuesday have provided the latest indications that he is moving closer to a first-team comeback.

The defender’s lengthy lay-off means Kaizer Chiefs are taking a cautious approach. Da Cruz said the club’s priority was to make certain Dortley is fully ready before he resumes regular competitive football, rather than placing him under pressure to return too quickly.

For now, the defender’s involvement in friendly and DDC pre-season matches is the clearest sign of his progress. The next stage will be for him to receive competitive minutes, with Da Cruz indicating that this is likely to happen soon.

Kaizer Chiefs therefore head into their meeting with Siwelele with Dortley nearing availability, but with the club continuing to follow a gradual plan for his comeback. The 5 August fixture at FNB Stadium comes as Kaizer Chiefs seek to turn two successive draws into a return to victory.