Kaizer Chiefs duo Inacio Miguel and Rushwin Dortley have been tipped to grow from strength to strength after their recent showings in competitive outings.
The Glamour Boys have struggled to get reliable pairing at the back since the days of Tefu Mashamaite and Erick Mathoho who led them to silverware back in 2014/15. The duo conceded just 14 goals during that campaign.
The 2023/24 season was the worst for Chiefs in the Premier Soccer League era after finishing 10th. Amakhosi conceded 30 goals due to inconsistencies at the back pushing the technical team to sign new defenders.
You can't fault Miguel and Dortley for goals conceded
Chiefs have played three matches and conceded four goals in the process. They have not managed to keep a clean sheet but that doesn't worry Mashamaite.
“You can’t really fault them; they’re still getting to know each other,” the Amakhosi legend told FarPost.
“It’s looking good. When you look at how they command the lines and go into duels, this is something that has been lacking in the Chiefs defence for a very long time. Sometimes, when you look at the defence [as an opposition striker], you can tell that it’s going to be a mountain to climb. They have that; they have the aura of invincibility. I feel like that’s what Chiefs needed.
“Even in those seasons when Chiefs were doing well upfront, they would be let down by the defence. Now, that balance is starting to take shape.”
Mashamaite echoes Miguel's sentiments
Recently, Miguel said he is enjoying playing alongside Dortley, “He has fantastic qualities, and I think one of the most important things in Dortley is the fact that he listens.
“He is a humble boy, he wants to learn, he wants to improve. I think he will go far if he keeps learning and being humble while performing at a high level.”
Mashamaite is convinced the two will soon become invincible, “A lot of times when you get similar defenders, chances are there’ll be one thing lacking,” he continued.
“With me and Erick Mathoho, I knew how to read the situations, but I wasn’t the quickest. On the other hand, he was very quick but still young. So we could guide each other.”
