Kaizer Chiefs get positive update on key defender

South Africa’s Betway Premiership side Kaizer Chiefs FC has received positive updates from one of their injured stars.

Rushwin Dortley has made significant progress in his recovery phase from an injury. Under the watchful eye of physiotherapist Phumzile Ngobese, the defender has started individual training in the Netherlands where Amakhosi are on a pre-season tour. The player, according to Chiefs media, is jogging partly while aiming to regain his pace.

The 23-year-old suffered a serious knee injury after being tackled from behind and had to undergo surgery four months ago. Commenting on the severity of the injury, the youngster said: “I was tackled from the side. This is my first serious injury that needed an operation.”

He added: “One has to be strong mentally, as you want to play, but you can’t. It’s not easy, but I do know that there is light at the end of the tunnel.”

Reflecting on the pre-season, Dortley said: “So far we have focused a lot on physical training, having two sessions a day. The physical aspect always comes before the tactical and technical aspects of the game. That’s typical pre-season.”

Physiotherapist Ngobese has since given an encouraging update on the player, saying his recovery was on track. “It’s tough for a player not to be part of the team operation. However, Rushwin is working tremendously hard, continuously pushing himself,” he said.

The defender suffered the injury just when he was knocking on the door of the senior national football team.