Kaizer Chiefs defender Rushwin Dortley has been dealt a heartbreaking blow after undergoing knee surgery, forcing him out of action for an indefinite period. This injury not only sidelines him from crucial club fixtures but also dashes his immediate hopes of representing Bafana Bafana in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers—a setback that could affect his long-term ambitions, including his dream of playing in AFCON 2025.
Dortley’s absence has already been felt in Chiefs’ last three matches, including fixtures against Magesi FC, Stellenbosch FC, and Cape Town City. While the club has confirmed that the surgery was successful, the road to full recovery remains uncertain, leaving questions about when he will return to the pitch and whether he will regain the form that earned him national team recognition.
This injury comes at a time when both Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana are in need of defensive stability. As Chiefs continue their quest for silverware and Bafana Bafana prepare for crucial World Cup qualifiers, Dortley’s absence creates a gap that will be challenging to fill.
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A Setback at the Worst Possible Time
For Dortley, this injury could not have come at a worse time. Having shown tremendous promise since joining Kaizer Chiefs, the 22-year-old was beginning to make a name for himself as one of the most reliable young defenders in South African football.
His performances at club level caught the attention of Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos, who included him in the preliminary squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. A call-up to the senior national team was a major milestone in his career, marking his growth from a promising youngster into an international prospect.
However, fate had other plans. Just as he was preparing to take the next step in his career, Dortley suffered a serious knee injury at the beginning of the month. The severity of the injury meant that surgery was required, ruling him out of club football and ending any immediate chances of making his Bafana Bafana debut.
“Dortley’s injury has also affected his international prospects. He was looking forward to representing Bafana Bafana in their upcoming World Cup qualifiers after making the preliminary squad list—a call-up that he will now have to sacrifice as he focuses on recovery,” read a statement from Kaizer Chiefs.
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What This Means for Kaizer Chiefs
Kaizer Chiefs, who have struggled with consistency this season, will now have to cope without one of their key defensive options. Dortley’s absence is a major concern for head coach Cavin Johnson, who is already dealing with a squad that has failed to find rhythm in the league.
Chiefs’ defensive frailties have been evident throughout the campaign, and losing a defender of Dortley’s caliber only worsens their problems. His ability to play as both a center-back and left-back gave Chiefs tactical flexibility, and replacing him will not be easy.
The club will now have to rely on Siyabonga Ngezana, Given Msimango, and Edmilson Dove to hold the fort in his absence. However, with injury concerns and inconsistent performances already affecting the squad, Dortley’s absence will be keenly felt.
For a team that is still trying to rebuild and compete with the likes of Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates, losing a promising young defender at a critical stage of the season is a huge setback.
The Impact on Bafana Bafana and Dortley’s AFCON Hopes
Beyond his club struggles, Dortley’s injury could significantly impact his chances of making the Bafana Bafana squad for AFCON 2025.
Coach Hugo Broos has been actively searching for defensive reinforcements to strengthen South Africa’s backline ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and the AFCON tournament in Morocco next year. Dortley was seen as a strong candidate to step into that role, offering fresh energy and talent.
However, with his injury keeping him out of the squad for the November World Cup qualifiers, Dortley now faces a battle not just to recover, but to prove himself all over again.
Bafana Bafana have been relying on experienced defenders like Mothobi Mvala, Siyanda Xulu, and Grant Kekana, but Broos has been eager to introduce younger players into the setup. Dortley’s ability to play in multiple defensive positions made him an attractive option, but with his injury ruling him out, other young defenders may now step in and take the opportunity.
The competition for a spot in the AFCON 2025 squad will be fierce, and missing out on the upcoming qualifiers could push Dortley further down the pecking order. If he fails to return in top form, he may find himself overlooked when the final squad for the continental tournament is selected.
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How Long Will Dortley Be Out?
Kaizer Chiefs have not provided an exact timeframe for Dortley’s recovery, but knee injuries typically require a lengthy rehabilitation process. Depending on the severity, he could be sidelined for anywhere between three to six months, meaning he could miss a large portion of the 2023/24 DStv Premiership season.
If his recovery progresses well, he could return in time to regain match fitness before AFCON 2025, but it will depend on how quickly he heals and how he performs upon his return.
For now, Dortley’s focus will be on rehabilitation, strength training, and regaining confidence in his knee. Given his young age, he still has time to bounce back stronger, but injuries can sometimes disrupt momentum—especially when a player is at a crucial stage of their development.
What Next for Dortley and Kaizer Chiefs?
For Dortley, the immediate priority is a full recovery. If he follows a structured rehabilitation plan, he can still return to compete for a spot in the national team. His progress will be closely monitored, and if he can regain fitness before the end of the season, he might still have a chance to make AFCON 2025.
For Kaizer Chiefs, they must now find alternative solutions in defense. Whether this means giving younger players a chance or reinforcing their squad in the next transfer window remains to be seen. Chiefs will also need to adjust their tactics, as Dortley’s injury removes a key defensive asset from their squad.
For Bafana Bafana, the absence of a rising defensive talent is disappointing, but the national team must continue their preparations for the World Cup qualifiers. Coach Hugo Broos will now need to identify a suitable replacement, while keeping an eye on Dortley’s recovery in the long run.
Final Thoughts: A Temporary Setback or a Career-Defining Moment?
Injuries are part of football, but the timing of Rushwin Dortley’s setback could not have been worse. Just as he was on the verge of making his Bafana Bafana breakthrough, he now finds himself watching from the sidelines.
However, Dortley is young, talented, and determined. If he uses this time to recover properly and come back stronger, he can still fulfill his dream of playing for South Africa at AFCON 2025.
For now, his fate remains uncertain, but one thing is clear—his journey is far from over.
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