Chiefs’ Dortley Speaks on Facing Pirates After Long Injury Spell

Kaizer Chiefs defender Rushwin Dortley has spoken openly about how good it feels to be back in action and how ready he is for Saturday’s Soweto derby against Orlando Pirates.

The 24-year-old centre-back returned to the team on Tuesday night when he started in Chiefs’ 3-0 win over TS Galaxy in the Carling Knockout Cup. That was his first competitive match in 19 months. He last played on 1 March 2025 before two knee operations kept him on the sidelines for a long time.

Dortley said the long break was tough, but coming back has been special. “You know, it’s been difficult being off the field for so long. But it feels very, very good being back, being able to help the team, being able to represent the badge again,” he told club media.

He is especially happy that his return comes just before the big derby. “Being back before the derby, it’s amazing for me. I like playing derbies, and it’s one of the biggest games in football in the world, I think, one of the biggest in Africa.”

The win over Galaxy has also lifted the mood in the camp. Dortley said the team needed that result before the derby and that everyone is now focused on doing what coach Fernando Da Cruz wants. “The mood is good after the win. It’s just for us to go out there, implement what the coach wants us to do, and just to play to the best of our abilities.”

Dortley’s return gives Da Cruz another option in defence alongside players such as Inacio Miguel, Thabo Moloisane and Zitha Kwinika. He partnered Moloisane in central defence on Tuesday and helped keep a clean sheet. Captain Brandon Petersen has also welcomed the defender’s return, saying it is a confidence booster for the squad.

The Soweto derby takes place at FNB Stadium on Saturday. Chiefs will go into the match missing a few players, including Langelihle Phili, Bradley Cross and Renaldo Leaner. Dortley, however, is available and eager to play his part in one of South African football’s biggest games.

After so many months of hard work to get fit again, the defender is simply looking forward to pulling on the Amakhosi jersey and helping his team on the big stage. His presence adds experience and quality to a defence that will need to be strong against a confident Pirates side.

Source: https://x.com/KickOffMagazine/status/2116195480933712219