Rushwin Dortley: Cedric Kaze Provide Update on Bafana Bafana Star’s Recovery from Long-term Injury

• Cedric Kaze has shared a new update about Rushwin Dortley, with the South African defender being out of action for over a year
• The Bafana Bafana defender was an important player for the Soweto-based club when he joined the club, but injury hindered his progress
• The 23-year-old defender is yet to feature for Kaizer Chiefs this season, with his return from injury taking longer than expected

Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Cedric Kaze has shared encouraging news regarding the progress of injured defender Rushwin Dortley, who has been sidelined for more than a year.

The Bafana Bafana international has yet to make an appearance this season after sustaining a serious knee injury late in the 2024/25 campaign. While the club initially confirmed that his surgery was successful and expected a quick comeback, his rehabilitation has taken longer than anticipated.

It has now been roughly 13 months since the 23-year-old last featured, with indications that his recovery timeline was extended due to the need for a follow-up procedure.

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As a result, the former Cape Town Spurs player appears increasingly unlikely to be included in Hugo Broos’ squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

The Belgian tactician already has Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who has drifted smoothly into the left-sided centre back role, which means Dortley would need to do more to return to the Bafana Bafana squad when he's fully back in action.

Kaze provides a good update on Dortley

However, speaking after Chiefs’ goalless draw with Polokwane City FC at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in the Betway Premiership, Kaze confirmed that Dortley has resumed light ball work.

The South African international's return to action is not too far, but he might not feature in the remaining Betway Premiership fixtures.

“That’s something the medical staff would be better placed to answer. But as of last week, he has started working with the ball, and I believe his return isn’t too far away,” he said.

Kaze outlines a careful plan for Frosler's return

Kaze also discussed how the technical team intends to manage Reeve Frosler, who has recently come back from a lengthy injury spell. The 28-year-old South African fullback made an impact off the bench against Magesi FC, creating two chances after coming on in the second half.

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“He’s been out for a considerable period, so we need to ease him back gradually. We don’t want to rush things or overload him too quickly, as that could lead to another setback,” Kaze explained.

“He’s progressing well and brings valuable experience to the squad. He has strong attacking qualities, defends effectively, and shows great awareness in advanced positions where he can deliver quality crosses. I’m confident he will play an important role for us for the remainder of the season.”

Kaizer Chiefs' season is over

Briefly News earlier reported that a football expert explained why Kaizer Chiefs' season is over after losing to Orlando Pirates in the Betway Premiership.

The Glamour Boys lost the season's first Soweto Derby, which makes it difficult for them to close the point gap between them and the Bucs in the league.

Source: Briefly News