Kaizer Chiefs Defender Rushwin Dortley Opens Up About Injury Comeback Journey

Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana defender Rushwin Dortley has broken his silence about the serious knee injury that sidelined him for four months, revealing details about the controversial tackle that ended his season and his grueling rehabilitation process.

The 23-year-old left-back, considered one of South Africa’s most promising defensive talents, suffered the injury during a match in March when an opponent’s reckless challenge left him requiring surgery.

“I was tackled from the side in what was clearly a dangerous play, yet no yellow card was shown to the opponent,” Dortley revealed in an exclusive interview on the Kaizer Chiefs official website. “That moment changed everything for me this season.”

The Road to Recovery
After undergoing successful surgery, Dortley faced the daunting challenge of learning to walk again before beginning his proper rehabilitation. The injury marked the first major medical setback of his young career.

“This was my first serious injury requiring an operation,” the defender admitted. “These past few months have been mentally and physically draining. As a player, you want to contribute on the field, but your body won’t allow it. Still, I remain positive because I know this is temporary.”

Chiefs’ head physiotherapist, David Ngobese, praised Dortley’s work ethic during recovery: “It’s always difficult when a player is separated from team activities, but Rushwin has shown incredible dedication. His daily commitment to rehabilitation at The Village during the off-season, often training alone, demonstrates his professionalism.”

Pre-Season Comeback
In a positive development, Dortley has now joined Amakhosi’s pre-season tour in the Netherlands, marking a significant step in his comeback. While not yet match-fit, his inclusion in the touring squad provides crucial integration with teammates ahead of the new campaign.

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The Pretoria-born defender credited his support system for helping him through the challenging period: “My family has been my rock – my girlfriend, parents, and brother have all played vital roles in keeping me motivated. Their support, combined with the medical team’s expertise at Chiefs, gives me confidence I’ll return stronger.”

With Kaizer Chiefs preparing for a crucial 2023/24 season, Dortley’s eventual return to full fitness could provide a major boost to the Glamour Boys’ defensive options. His experience at both club and international level makes him a valuable asset as the team looks to improve on last season’s disappointing finish.

Fans will be monitoring Dortley’s progress closely during the Netherlands camp, hoping to see one of their brightest young stars back in action when the new DStv Premiership season kicks off.

For more updates on Rushwin Dortley’s recovery and Kaizer Chiefs’ pre-season preparations, stay tuned to Fakaza HipHopZa’s sports coverage.