Kaizer Chiefs player Rushwin Dortley challenges for the ball against Mamelodi Sundowns player Rayners Iqraam during the Betway Premiership at the FNB stadium Kaizer Chiefs' Rushwin Dortley shields the ball from Mamelodi Sundowns’ Iqraam Rayners during a recent league match between the two teams. Photo: Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers
Image: Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers
Former Bafana Bafana captain Aaron Mokoena hopes Kaizer Chiefs defender Rushwin Dortley will continue to improve after making a brilliant start at the Naturena club since moving from Cape Town Spurs.
Since joining Chiefs, the 22-year-old has cemented his place in the national team, becoming a vital cog as Hugo Broos’ men qualified for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morroco.
And while he was happy with Dortley’s development so far, Mokoena said he was keen to see him continue to develop.
“It’s a nice progression for the boy from Cape Town. It shows that our development from club level is fantastic,” Mokoena, the only man to reach 100 caps for Bafana Bafana, was quoted by FARPost.
“I think it shows that he’s growing as a player; he’s on the right path. Now he’s even playing for the national team; it’s so great.
“I hope he will keep growing, work hard and put in consistent performances. He’s a calm someone; you can see from a distance that he’s also a leader.”
Mokoena, the last South African to captain a club in England’s Premier League, praised the development structures at Cape Town Spurs, where Dortley began his career before making the move up to Johannesburg last season.
“Cape Town Spurs’ development it’s unbelievable, they spend a lot of energy and resources on the young ones. I think they should continue producing such quality, as it will also benefit our national teams from junior levels up to the senior level.”
Dortley has become a fan-favourite since joining Amakhosi, and is seen as key in helping the club get back to the top of the food chain of South African football.
IOL Sport