Da Cruz Rules Out Rushed Dortley Return
Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando da Cruz has provided the latest injury update on Rushwin Dortley, stating that the club will not rush the defender back after undergoing two surgeries that kept him out for the entire 2025/26 season.
Dortley, who joined Amakhosi from Cape Town Spurs ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, last featured for Chiefs in March 2025 during a 1-0 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns.
Although he played the full 90 minutes of that match—decided by a stunning strike from Lucas Ribeiro Costa—Chiefs later confirmed that Dortley sustained a severe knee injury and subsequently underwent successful surgery to repair the damage.
The 24-year-old center-back, whose contract runs until June 2027, suffered the setback after making 21 appearances across all competitions in his debut season for the Soweto giants.
Due to complications and a secondary procedure, Dortley did not play a single minute last term as the medical team carefully managed his recovery.
Da Cruz, who was part of the technical team when Chiefs signed Dortley in 2024, emphasized the importance of a cautious approach.
“We have to be very careful with Rushwin Dortley because he hasn’t played for the last 18 months,” said Da Cruz.
“He had serious injuries and underwent two surgeries, so we have to be very careful. At the moment, he is doing individual work as well as training with the group, but we are managing him every day and every week.
“We will go step by step because we don’t want him to suffer another injury when he comes back.
“We have to be careful. We are also in constant discussion with the medical staff, so we are managing his training load.’
Prior to his knee surgery in early 2025, Dortley had earned five senior Bafana Bafana caps under Hugo Broos, making his 18-month absence a setback for both club and national team depth. He missed the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“Having said that, he is a player I have known for two years. I know his qualities, and I know he can make a significant contribution to the team when he returns,” continued da Cruz.
“That is why it will take time, but once he is back, he will be 100% ready to help the team.”
Chiefs will open their 2026/27 Betway Premiership campaign against newly promoted Kruger United at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday evening.
