Da Cruz Evaluates Dortley And Moloisane Partnership

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz has opened up about the defensive partnership between Rushwin Dortley and Thabo Moloisane following their impressive performances together.

The duo have started two matches alongside each other, with Amakhosi winning both encounters, keeping one clean sheet and conceding just once.

Dortley and Moloisane first partnered at the heart of the Chiefs defence in their Carling Knockout Cup round-of-16 victory over TS Galaxy. Inacio Miguel, who had been playing alongside Moloisane since the beginning of the season, was rested for the Soweto Derby as he was one yellow card away from suspension ahead of the highly anticipated fixture.

The pair reunited in the Carling Knockout quarter-final victory over Siwelele, with Miguel unavailable after receiving a red card during the Soweto Derby.

Da Cruz acknowledged that the partnership could remain an option going forward, although he stressed that competition for places would be important once all his defenders were available.

“Yes, that is certainly an option for the future. For now, we only have those two players available because Miguel is suspended,” Da Cruz said.

“However, there will definitely be competition going forward, and players will have to earn their place in the team.

“The advantage we have with Rush is that he is left-footed. We usually play with two right-footed centre-backs, but now we have a left-footed option. His passing ability is also useful to us offensively, while his aerial ability helps us defensively.

“So, ultimately, I prefer having options rather than not having any.”

Dortley had previously featured alongside Miguel during their first season at Naturena in the 2024/25 campaign under former head coach Nasreddine Nabi.

However, the former Cape Town Spurs defender suffered an injury in March 2025, which forced him to miss the remainder of the season before making his return to action this campaign.

Moloisane and Dortley will now be hoping to maintain their promising partnership when Chiefs return to action following the two-week FIFA international break.

Amakhosi are scheduled to face Chippa United in an away Betway Premiership encounter in the Eastern Cape on 28 November.

Following that fixture, Miguel’s suspension will come to an end, leaving Da Cruz with another selection decision to make as he considers his three centre-back options and competition for places intensifies.