Kaizer Chiefs confirm Rushwin Dortley knee surgery leaving player's 2025 Afcon dream hanging in the balance

Kaizer Chiefs have confirmed that defender Rushwin Dortley has undergone surgery following a serious knee injury.

The Bafana Bafana defender has missed Amakhosi's three previous games already and the club has not given an update on when he could fully return to action.

Depending on the type of surgery and the severity of the injury itself, the player could be side lined for as long as six months.

"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 for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

"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," Chiefs confirmed in a statement.

"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," it added.

"As the club rallies behind Rushwin during this challenging time, everyone wishes him a speedy recovery process and looks forward to seeing him back on the field, ready to contribute to the team's success once again," the statement concluded.

Dortley's injury is a big blow to Chiefs' coach Nasreddine Nabi and Bafana Bafana's Hugo Broos, as the impressive defender will not be available for them with crucial games waiting ahead.

Nabi will have to depend on Given Mashego again to fill the void left by Dortley. Defensive options for the Soweto giants are Inacio Miguel, Edmilson Dove, Zitha Kwinika, and Aden McCarthy.

Dortley's setback expanded the Chiefs' injury list with Happy Mashiane, Samkelo Zwane, and Tashreeq Morris all currently ruled out.

The defender is expected to miss the remaining Premier Soccer League (PSL) season and possibly the beginning of next season too.

Amakhosi will miss the defender in their Nedbank Cup semi-final assignment, as they seek to end their almost-decade long trophy drought.

Broos will have to prepare Bafana Bafana for the World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho on March 21 and Benin on March 25 without the Chiefs' star, and hope he has returned to fitness and form by the time Bafana face Nigeria's Super Eagles in a crunch qualifier in September.

If not then the goal will undoubtedly be to have the player available for the 2025 Afcon finals kicking off in December.