“That’s a question that will probably be directed to the medical team. But last week he started to touch the ball, and I am pretty sure that he’s not far from returning,” said Cedric Kaze, co-coach of Kaizer Chiefs.
Rushwin Dortley has not played since March 1, 2025. He has been out for over a year because of a knee injury that first sidelined him 13 months ago. The injury worsened after an initial diagnosis of just discomfort.
Dortley underwent a second operation which delayed his recovery further. He missed the opportunity to play in the AFCON finals earlier this year. His absence from the pitch has stretched to 60 weeks, with Kaizer Chiefs playing 47 matches without him.
Currently, it appears unlikely that Dortley will participate in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bafana Bafana’s first match is against Mexico on June 11, 2026. The team will need all hands on deck as they prepare for this critical tournament.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding Dortley’s exact timeline for return. The impact of his absence on Kaizer Chiefs’ performance is also not clear. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely as updates emerge.
As he begins to touch the ball again, optimism grows within the club about his potential comeback. However, until medical staff provide a clear timeline, uncertainty remains around his future contributions on the field.
