Kaizer Chiefs Confirm Rushwin Dortley’s Knee Surgery, Leaving 2025 Afcon Dream in Doubt

Kaizer Chiefs have confirmed that defender Rushwin Dortley has successfully undergone knee surgery following an injury sustained in a recent league match. However, the club has not provided an official timeline for his return, leaving his participation in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) hanging in the balance.

Dortley Sidelined Indefinitely

The Bafana Bafana defender has already missed three Chiefs matches due to the injury, and his recovery could take as long as six months, depending on the severity of the damage and the nature of the surgical procedure. Dortley was expected to be a key player for both club and country, making his absence a significant setback for Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi and South Africa’s national team coach Hugo Broos.

Kaizer Chiefs’ Official Statement

“Kaizer Chiefs defender Rushwin Dortley has successfully undergone knee surgery following an injury sustained during a recent league match at the beginning of the month. The unfortunate incident left the talented player sidelined for the past three matches against Magesi FC, Stellenbosch FC, and Cape Town City.

“Dortley’s injury has also affected his international prospects. He was looking forward to representing Bafana Bafana in their upcoming World Cup qualifiers next week after making the preliminary squad list – a call-up that he will now have to sacrifice as he focuses on recovery.”

The statement continued, “The surgery was deemed essential to ensure a full recovery, and reports indicate it went smoothly. Amakhosi’s medical team is optimistic about Dortley’s prognosis, which is encouraging both for the player and the club. While the timeline for his return remains uncertain, there is hope that he will be back on the field donning the iconic Gold & Black colours in the not-too-distant future.”

Implications for Chiefs and Bafana Bafana

Dortley’s injury is a massive blow to both Chiefs and Bafana Bafana. Amakhosi will have to rely on Given Mashego, Inacio Miguel, Edmilson Dove, Zitha Kwinika, and Aden McCarthy to fill the defensive void. The defender’s absence adds to Chiefs’ growing injury list, which already includes Happy Mashiane, Samkelo Zwane, and Tashreeq Morris.

For Bafana Bafana, Dortley’s injury means Hugo Broos will have to plan for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin without him. If his recovery extends beyond expectations, he could also miss the crucial September qualifier against Nigeria’s Super Eagles. In the worst-case scenario, Dortley’s race for fitness may extend into the 2025 Afcon finals, scheduled to kick off in December.

Looking Ahead

With Dortley expected to miss the remainder of the Premier Soccer League (PSL) season, Chiefs will have to adjust their defensive strategy in their bid to end a near-decade-long trophy drought. Meanwhile, Bafana Bafana will hope for a speedy recovery so that Dortley can return in time to bolster the squad in crucial international matches.

As the talented defender begins his rehabilitation process, fans will be hoping to see him back in action sooner rather than later, with his Afcon dreams still alive.