Kaizer Chiefs have been without Rushwin Dortley for 18 months, but the talented central defender is now back in the first-team squad and his younger brother, Emile, is making an impression in the club’s academy.
Dortley suffered a serious knee injury in March 2025 and has not played a competitive match for Chiefs since. The 24-year-old left-footer was named among the substitutes for the club’s most recent Betway Premiership fixture against Golden Arrows, although he was not introduced.
His return offers Chiefs another option in defence, particularly because of his ability to play out from the back and operate on the left side of a back three. Those qualities have been missed by the coaching staff during his lengthy absence.
There are also notable similarities between Dortley and Emile, who is part of the academy setup at Naturena. The younger Dortley is reported to share elements of his brother’s playing style, raising the prospect of the pair eventually appearing together in the Chiefs first team.
That could also see them line up alongside exciting attacking prospect Steven Mendes, who is another player attracting attention within the club’s system.
Chiefs continue to manage a number of absences, although there has been some positive news regarding Langelihle Phili. The long-term absentee could return in mid-October, while Dortley’s inclusion on the bench against Golden Arrows represented a significant step in his recovery.
The club’s recent league form has highlighted the need for reinforcements. Chiefs have drawn four of their seven league matches and have dropped points in four of their past five games.
Their next Betway Premiership fixture is against Stellenbosch on Saturday, 17 October, with kick-off scheduled for 15:30.
Dortley’s immediate challenge will be regaining full match sharpness after his extended spell on the sidelines. If he reaches that level, Chiefs will hope his defensive composure, left-footed distribution and experience can make him an important player once again.
