Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Khalil Ben Youssef has given an update on defenders Rushwin Dortley and Given Msimango, saying it’s a matter of weeks before they start training with the rest of the squad.
Dortley underwent a knee surgery earlier this year after sustaining a knock in the league game in March against Mamelodi Sundowns while Msimango was also recovering from a groin injury that saw him sit out Chiefs’ last five games last season.
The coach bemoaned how the side finished the last term without any defensive options on the bench with majority of his backline in the casualty ward.
Ben Youssef also hopes that the return of the duo will bring healthy competition in the Chiefs spine.
“I think with Dortley he keeps working with our medical staff,” said Ben Youssef.
“They did a very good job with him. Soon, I think few weeks, he will be back with us, him and Given [Msimango] they will start training sessions with the team. I think last season; it was tough for us when we finished the season. We finished let me say the last three games without a defender in the bench. Given was injured, Zitha [Kwinika] injured, Dortley injured then we promoted Aiden [McCarthy] to play the last two games.
“This season we start with Given and Dortley out, for sure when they will be back, they will help the team with experience they have, and also with confidence. They will fight for this position now. I think Aiden with [Inacio] Miguel, they perform very well, Zitha is coming he is ready.
“Also, now they will be back and it’s confidence. And we know when we have a lot of players the level for the players begin to increase.”
Chiefs hosts Richards Bay in the Betway Premiership at FNB stadium on Tuesday evening.
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