As Kaizer Chiefs prepare for the return of key defender Rushwin Dortley,
former Amakhosi star Tefu Mashamaite has asserted that no one in the
backline has done enough to claim a guaranteed starting spot, insisting that
places must be earned on the training ground.
Dortley, who was the first-choice left-sided centre-back and a Bafana Bafana
squad member before his injury last season, is nearing a comeback. His
return creates a direct challenge for Aden McCarthy, who has been filling
the role in his absence. With Dortley also aiming to force his way back into
Hugo Broos’ plans for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the competition is
intensified.
When asked who should start, Mashamaite was unequivocal, suggesting that the
team’s defensive inconsistencies mean every position is contested.
“I’m going to give you a simple answer on this one. Let them battle it out
at training,” Mashamaite stated. “Whoever is doing well at training must
start. They both haven’t done enough yet to be guaranteed places in the
team.”
He emphasized that the entire defensive unit must be held to a higher
standard. “Defence has been Chiefs’ Achilles heel in recent times, so I
don’t see anyone who should get an automatic spot in the starting line-up.
All positions are up for grabs. So go to training and fight it out. Show the
coaches that you deserve to start before the other.”
The competition is set to intensify further with the impending return of
Given Msimango, another key defender who has been sidelined. According to
Mashamaite’s philosophy, both returning players and current starters will
need to prove their worth anew to secure a place in the lineup.
