Fernando da Cruz gives Rushwin Dortley injury update

Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando da Cruz has provided an injury update on defender Rushwin Dortley, who has endured a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

The 24-year-old centre-half sustained a knee injury towards the end of the 2024/25 campaign, keeping him out of action for 18 months as he missed the entire last season.

He signed for the Soweto giants in July 2024 from Cape Town Spurs, and went on to make 20 appearances across all competitions in his maiden term at Naturena.

Now, with the 2026/27 season on the horizon, da Cruz is adopting a cautious approach with the management of Dortley, who was part of the club's pre-season camp in Spain.

“We have to be very careful with Rushwin Dortley because he didn't play in the last 18 months. It was a tough injury that he had, forcing him to have two surgeries. So, we have to be very careful, he's doing individual and collective training at the moment,” said the Chiefs boss.

"But we manage him everyday and every week. We will go step by step because we don't want to aggravate his injury by the time he comes back, so we have to be careful and we are in sync with the medical staff. We are also managing his training load.

Having previously arrived at Chiefs with Nasreddine Nabi in 2024, the Frenchman is aware of the quality possessed by Dortley, stating that he is counting on the player.

“It's a player that I knew two years ago, I know his qualities and he can support the team this season when he comes back. But it will take time and we will be sure that he will be 100% ready to play and to help the team,” da Cruz added.

Chiefs, meanwhile, will commence their 2026/27 campaign with a league clash against newly promoted Kruger United at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday, 01 August.

Hlayisani Magoro

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Football journalist from South Africa covering African football news, exclusive stories and key events while sharing insights with passionate fans of the game.

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