Kaizer Chiefs defender Rushwin Dortley says the faith shown in him by Bafana Bafana boss Hugo Broos and being surrounded by the country’s best is elevating his game.
Dortley has enjoyed a whirlwind 12 months, from being promoted to the top-flight and relegated with Cape Town Spurs, to captaining the national team at Cosafa Cup, earning a lucrative move to Chiefs and now being an indispensable part of the senior national team.
“It’s always amazing to play with the best players in the country at Bafana, so I think the move from Cosafa [squad] was a big difference because you playing with senior players, playing with the best in the country and they help you a lot to improve,” he said.
“They help improve in-game situations, they motivate you, and if you do something wrong, the advice has helped me a lot to be around the national team. Playing at that level also improves me personally knowing that silly mistakes will be costly.
“In Africa, you make a mistake, teams hurt you, so it’s helping me focus more on my game and improve it personally.”
The 22-year-old central defender started all six 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, with three different centre-back partners, as they finished top of Group K unbeaten.
“It’s a blessing for me [to have the faith of Broos since being called up], the coach seeing my qualities and what I am capable of and you know it’s just an honour to play every game and not be taken out,” he said.
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“It’s just now for me to keep doing my best, doing what the coach saw in me, and for me to continue going upwards from here.”
As he returns to Amakhosi, he’s set to continue playing a key role, with the club set to face Richards Bay and Royal AM at the Peter Mokaba Stadium this week.
“The six points is there for the taking from both teams, our goal is to get it, move forward in the league and move up the table to put the club where it belongs,” he concluded.
