Chiefs Star Defender Nearing Full Recovery

Kaizer Chiefs defender Rushwin Dortley is steadily progressing in his recovery, now able to run on the pitch under the watchful eye of physiotherapist Phumzile Ngobese.

The rest of the Amakhosi squad is training on an adjacent field at the Dutch amateur club WWNA in Wenum-Wiesell, near Chiefs’ team hotel in Apeldoorn.

Dortley is alternating between light jogging and increasing his pace as he works his way back from a serious knee injury sustained approximately four months ago, which required surgery.

The 23-year-old made 21 appearances across all competitions for Chiefs last season but has yet to find the back of the net. His last appearance was against Mamelodi Sundowns in March at Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium, a match decided by Lucas Ribeiro Costa’s powerful strike.

Recalling the incident, Dortley stated, “I was tackled from the side. No yellow card was given to the opponent.”

Following his operation, the left-footed defender began with slow walking to rebuild muscle strength. Once that progressed well, he moved to the treadmill, initially walking and then gradually incorporating short runs.

“This is my first serious injury that needed an operation,” Dortley commented. He emphasized the mental fortitude required during recovery: “(But) one has to be strong mentally, as you want to play, but you can’t. It’s not easy, but I do know that there is light at the end of the tunnel.”

Physiotherapist Ngobese echoes Dortley’s sentiments. “It’s tough for a player not to be part of the team operation,” she noted. “However, Rushwin is working tremendously hard, continuously pushing himself.” Dortley’s steady progress is being continuously monitored, and so far, it remains on schedule.

Throughout the off-season, Dortley dedicated himself to training daily at Chiefs’ headquarters at The Village. Even during a two-week visit to his hometown of Belhar in the Western Cape, he trained every second day under the supervision of a biokineticist.

Dortley expressed his happiness at being able to join his teammates, the Glamour Boys, for their pre-season training session in the Netherlands. “I have a lot of support from my family,” says the center-back. “My girlfriend, my father, my mother, my brother… They are all playing a huge role on my road to full recovery.”

He also highlighted the strong backing he receives from his Amakhosi teammates. “That’s how the team is,” Dortley explained. “If one is injured, we can all feel the loss of a player. We are one!”