Latest news with #CapeTown-born
Daily Maverick
3 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Maverick
Kaizer Chiefs defender Rushwin Dortley beating injury blues as he eyes strong comeback
The young player has had a tough journey to recovery but is ready to fulfil his aspirations. One moment Rushwin Dortley was living a fairy tale-like life, playing for one of the biggest clubs in Africa – Kaizer Chiefs. He had also managed to establish himself as a vital cog in Hugo Broos's Bafana Bafana team just months after joining Chiefs. The Belgian is not an easy person to impress, but Dortley quickly convinced Broos to make him part of his plans. By all accounts, the Cape Town-born defender was on top of the world. Then, in March, his fairy tale was shattered by a serious knee injury during a league match against Mamelodi Sundowns. It required surgery and sidelined him for the rest of the 2024/25 season. Injuries are part of sport, especially one as physical as soccer. Nevertheless, it was a disappointing development after the player's stocks had risen drastically during the first half of last season, thanks to his commanding performances in the backline. Uncharted territory Dortley (23) had never had such a serious injury, and at the time it happened he was one of the few shining lights in a struggling Chiefs team. As a result, he had to watch from the sidelines as Amakhosi toiled in the Premiership, eventually finishing ninth. He featured in just one match during Amakhosi's successful Nedbank Cup campaign last season – the 3-0 win over Chippa United in the round of 16. In the end, Amakhosi didn't need Dortley, as they ended a 10-year trophy drought by beating Soweto rivals Orlando Pirates 2-1 in the final of the Cup. Chiefs' long-awaited silverware success brought mixed feelings for Dortley. On the one hand, he was elated to be part of this Chiefs group that had finally ended the side's barren trophy run. But he was disappointed not to have played a major part in their success. 'It's been tough being on the sidelines watching the team, especially with the Nedbank Cup… the team winning it and me not being able to participate. But the team winning it gives me a sense of happiness – hope that we can keep going for the upcoming season,' Dortley told Daily Maverick. 'At the moment, I'm at a good stage with my recovery. I'm pushing my rehab because I want to be back before the league starts. I'm looking forward to playing again, to helping the team,' he said. When he arrived at Chiefs a year ago, after joining from the relegated Cape Town Spurs, Dortley quickly adapted to his new surroundings to become one of the first players Amakhosi coach Nasreddine Nabi selected when crafting his starting line-up. Dortley says the key to his quick adaptation at Naturena Village (Chiefs' headquarters) was his positive mentality and hunger to succeed, as well as everyone at the club welcoming him warmly. The side landed his signature from Spurs amid major interest from other Premiership clubs after Dortley had impressed in his debut top-flight season with Spurs. It was a major coup for Chiefs, who have struggled to attract quality players in recent seasons because of their on-field woes. 'It's your hard work and your talent on the training pitch that will put you in the starting 11… I always try to remember why Chiefs brought me to the club, what they saw. 'And that's just what I continue doing, to play my game and to help the club,' Dortley said. A rare breed What exactly did Amakhosi see? For one, Dortley is a rare breed since there are not many left-footed centre backs in soccer. In addition, he is extremely comfortable with the ball at his feet and thus able to initiate attacks from defence. During his rapid rise to prominence in South African football, Dortley has endeared himself to the country as a whole, not just to the Amakhosi faithful, but because of his performances for Broos's Bafana Bafana. He made the starting 11 in what was his first official call-up to South Africa's senior men's soccer team. Bafana Bafana drew 2-2 with Uganda during Dortley's debut game in September 2024, in an Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier, but the defender did enough to convince the technical team that he is an asset. Subsequently, he played every single minute of South Africa's successful Afcon qualification campaign for the 2025 tournament, which will take place in Morocco from 21 December. The prospect of representing his country at the tournament has been a major driving force in Dortley's recovery efforts. 'Playing for Bafana and wearing that jersey is an honour. Again, for me it's just about playing my game, doing what I've been doing at Chiefs, which is the reason the coach called me. And just to do my best and help the country to qualify for major tournaments,' Dortley said about his goals with Bafana. 'On the Afcon, it's a dream to be part of the national team to go to the tournament… So, it's just for me to get back to playing, help the club, play my game and for the national team coach to hopefully include me in his plans,' he added. Cape Town woes Dortley is one of the latest products of Cape Town's soccer conveyor belt, which has produced players such as Benni McCarthy. Naturally, he saw it as a major blow for South African soccer that his former team, Spurs, was recently relegated to the third tier a season after falling out of the top flight. Not long after Spurs dropped down to the third tier, Cape Town City also tumbled out of the Premiership to the second tier after losing to Orbit College in the promotion-relegation playoffs. Dortley says it is unfortunate that there will be no Cape Town team in the South African top flight next season, but he's hopeful that both teams can bounce back. 'There was hope when Cape Town Spurs got relegated that Cape Town City would still represent Cape Town in the Premiership. But they will come back, both teams,' he said. 'I'm sure the owners [of Spurs] will do what they have to do for Cape Town football, for the youth, because Cape Town Spurs are huge for the youth. They just produce, it's just another level of an academy. The owners know the importance of the club in Cape Town and they will do their best. 'The same with Cape Town City. I'm sure they will do their best to win promotion back into the Premiership. 'It's football and these things happen. Hopefully they will come back stronger.' Dortley, too, will be hoping to return stronger than he was before his injury setback. His comeback can only be positive for a Chiefs team hoping to be a force in South African soccer once more. DM This story first appeared in our weekly Daily Maverick 168 newspaper, which is available countrywide for R35.
IOL News
5 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Seoposenwe bows out with pride as Banyana chase Wafcon bronze
Jermaine Seoposenwe will play her final match for Banyana Banyana on Friday night after a career that spanned over 100 caps, two World Cups and a Wafcon title. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix Jermaine Seoposenwe owes football everything. So, as she prepares for her last Banyana Banyana appearance, she bows out with gratitude and pride. Banyana will face Ghana in the Women's Africa Cup of Nations third-place play-off at Stade El Arbi Zaouli in Casablanca on Friday night (kick-off 6pm). The clash is set to mark Seoposenwe's final outing with Banyana after she announced, prior to the tournament, that she would retire from international football after its conclusion. The 31-year-old will leave behind a decorated international career, having earned more than 100 caps, won the Wafcon title and played in two World Cups. Retiring From International Football — Jermaine Seoposenwe (@jermaine109) June 16, 2025 Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Her journey with the national team endeared her to fans across the continent and the world, thanks to her silky playing style and eye for goal. Speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of the clash against the Black Queens, the Cape Town-born player reflected on the impact football has had on her life. 'Football has been everything for me. Football has given me everything that I have. The way I play is how I repay what football has given me,' she said. 'The passion and love for the game is why we do it. Over the years, Banyana has given me a platform to showcase my abilities and has taken me to places I never thought I'd go. 'I owe football everything. It's been a great learning curve, not just on the football field but outside of it as well.' What an assist from Rama🥵😤 — Jermaine Seoposenwe (@jermaine109) July 7, 2025 Seoposenwe's decision to call time on her international career ahead of a major tournament sparked mixed reactions in the football fraternity. Some felt it was understandable given the many off-field challenges Banyana have faced, while others believed it could destabilise the team's performance. However, she is confident she made the right decision for her own well-being – and does not anticipate a World Cup comeback. 'It's been a sense of relief – I don't know if that's the right word – and a sense of calmness,' said Seoposenwe of her decision. 'The fact that it's coming to an end is kind of weird, but it was for my well-being and I stand by that decision. It's been an interesting tournament, watching the younger players step up and take responsibility. I am really proud of them. 'I hope that going forward they'll take the torch and run with it. Playing for Banyana Banyana is not the easiest thing – there's a lot of pressure. 'Hopefully, I've shown them that you can do it – stay true to yourself and stay disciplined in whatever you do.' Seoposenwe will bow out as a true Banyana legend who wore her heart on her sleeve every time she donned the national jersey. However, she prefers to be remembered not for who she was off the pitch, but for the player she was on it. She was particularly proud to be a role model to the next generation, including Ronnel Donnely, who idolises her. 'First and foremost, I think it allowed me to just be calm about everything because I made that decision before the tournament,' said Seoposenwe. 'Coming into the tournament, I have been settled and calm. Ronnel, especially, has come up to me and tried to extract a lot of information. 'I am not a No 9, but in this tournament I've been playing as a No 9, which is her position, so she's come up to chat and learn. I appreciate that she sees me as a role model. A lot of players have joked with me about my legacy, but it's very interesting to be in that position.' And so, with Banyana having relinquished their title following the 2-1 semi-final loss to Nigeria, a bronze medal against Ghana would offer fitting consolation for Seoposenwe – and a special farewell to the team that shaped her footballing life.
The South African
08-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
THREE candidates to take over the captaincy at Kaizer Chiefs
With Kaizer Chiefs captain Yusuf Maart set to join SV Ried in Austria, the club will need to find a new leader. Amakhosi head coach Nasreddine Nabi has at least a month to identify a suitable candidate. The team is currently in the Netherlands for pre-season, where they will play five friendly matches before returning home. Among the players, six new signings are expected to take the field for the first time this week. Maart leaves Kaizer Chiefs after three seasons at the club. Although his past two seasons were mediocre, he played one of his best matches for the club in the final of the Nedbank Cup where he scored the winner. His presence and leadership will be missed, but with Thabo Cele having established himself, one feels Amakhosi will be sorted in the midfield. Inacio Miguel The Angolan international has worn the armband on several occasions for the Glamour Boys. Miguel is a natural leader and is likely to be appointed the club's new captain. His problem, however, is that he has a habit of getting unnecessary bookings, often leading to suspension. Thabo Cele Cele is arguably Kaizer Chiefs' best signing last season. Since day one, the 27-year-old Bafana Bafana midfielder has never looked out of place. Just like Miguel, he has the knack for picking up on booking, which could make Nabi think twice before making him captain. Brandon Petersen Petersen has often led from the touchline in recent seasons, with Bruce Bvuma preferred as the club's first-choice keeper. The 30-year-old Cape Town-born keeper is another obvious choice given his experience and leadership skills. Having spent much time on the bench, he made a rare start in the Nedbank Cup final, which Kaizer Chiefs won. From there on, Petersen earned Nabi's trust and is expected to be the club's first-choice keeper this season. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
30-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
South Africa-born Reg Bamford wins 13th British GC Open title
Cape Town-born Reg Bamford was crowned British GC Open Championship for an astounding 13th time on Sunday. Bamford beat England's Jamie Burch in the championship final at the Budleigh Salterton Croquet Club in Devon. Bamford, now 57, confirmed on his LinkedIn profile page that there 'was still life in this old dog'. 'I won my 13th British Open GC croquet title this weekend! 'After a five year drought, some extra time spent on my new Swing Trainer paid dividends. 'Eight of the players in the last 16 were under 30 years old, so the competition is getting fierce. 'There's still life in this old dog – my 50th year of playing this great game!' Bamford concluded. The Swing Trainer that Reg Bamford referenced is still in its development stage and isn't yet available to the public – but is coming soon. It's the first of three croquet products – the others being a high-spec mallet and an aiming target device – that he hopes to make available to the general public before the end of the year. The purpose of the Swing Trainer is to groove one's swing through repeated use – the key to continued success in any sport. Bamford's brief to his design/manufacturing team was to create a Swing Trainer that achieved four requirements: Weighed no more than 5-7kg Could be assembled in under 5 minutes Could be transported easily (including on an international flight) Was so beautiful you wanted to lick it! Bamford was thrilled to confirm that they're close to achieving all four! The Swing Trainer will go into production once the new modifications have been tested (an updated prototype is coming in the next couple of weeks) and when they've ironed out their supply chain. Bamford expects that it will then be available for sale – to individuals and clubs – by the end of 2025, making for the perfect Christmas present. Those interested are urged to view the links below: An explanation and description: Click HERE Hitting 8 balls in the Swing Trainer: Click HERE Hitting 16 balls after using the Swing Trainer: Click HERE Reg Bamford's croquet Swing Trainer Bamford has successfully juggled elite-level sporting success with high-level entrepreneurship for the last three decades. His name is synonymous with world croquet, having first competed at the highest level in the mid-1980s. Bamford remains the only player to have won both versions of the World Championships (Golf Croquet and Association Croquet) and held both titles simultaneously in 2013. Bamford has won the Association Croquet World Croquet Championship five times (2001, 2005, 2009, 2012 and 2020), and the WCF World Golf Croquet Championship twice (2013 and 2017). He has won the British AC Open Championship 12 times – and the British GC Open Championship 13 times now – the premier events in the UK of each code. He was ranked 29th in the 100 Best Sportspeople in the World for the year 2020 by Sports Pedia. Earlier this year Bamford captained the South African national team to a creditable sixth-place finish at the World Team Croquet Championships Tier 1 in Tasmania in Australia in February. The main aim for the team was to avoid a relegation battle for eighth place – and that they managed to achieve in fine style. As a result, 'AmaCrockoCrocko' will remain in the Tier 1 top division for at least another four years. Off the sporting field, Bamford is a qualified Chartered Accountant having completed his articles at Deloitte South Africa in 1992. Now based in London, Bamford went on to establish Sable International, a multi-service firm helping expatriates with financial, immigration, and property services across three continents. The company currently employs over 200 staff globally. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
TimesLIVE
26-06-2025
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
Innovate Africa: A new play for player safety, Innovate Africa meets Cape Town's Pro'Tech
Pro'Tech Rugby is a Cape Town-born start-up on a mission to make the game safer, without losing its soul. Their advanced scrum caps are designed to absorb the sort of head impact that builds up over years on the field, whether in a school league or the club trenches. Made with cutting edge materials and engineered for real play, they promise protection that doesn't slow you down. In this exclusive interview, Innovate Africa founder Kieno Kammies sits down with Pro'Tech's founder Marnus Coetsee to explore how this home-grown innovation could help keep grassroots players safer for longer. Watch the video as they unpack the problem, the prototype and the bigger plan to take this solution global.
