Kaizer Chiefs have received a positive boost with Rushwin Dortley closing in on his return to competitive action.
The left-footed defender spent more than 18 months on the sidelines, missing around a season and a half because of injury.
However, according to Da Cruz, Dortley has now started playing friendly matches and has also featured in the DDC pre-season games.
The French coach says the defender will soon be handed minutes, although Chiefs will ease him back into action given the lengthy period he has spent out.
“Dortley will start to play games [soon],” said Da Cruz.
“He firstly played a friendly match in the last Friday, and also yesterday [Tuesday], he played with the DDC.
“So, we will give him minutes but we will take time with him. We want to be sure that when he comes back he will be ready 100%.”
The Phefeni Glamour Boys are next in action against Siwelele on 5 August at FNB Stadium, as they look to return to winning ways having drawn their last two matches.