Dolly and co look to deliver for Bafana in qualifiers

Keagan Dolly last represented Bafana Bafana during back-to-back Afcon 2022 qualifiers against Sao Tome in 2020 and is now expected to play a pivotal role in crucial Fifa World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Ghana.

South Africa take on neighbours Zimbabwe at FNB Stadium on Thursday (kick off 9pm CAT) before travelling to West Africa to take on the Black Stars of Ghana in what might be a winner-take-all encounter on Sunday.

The versatile midfielder-cum-striker has been in scintillating form lately and Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos could not ignore his form further, especially after he single-handedly destroyed rivals Orlando Pirates in Kaizer Chiefs’ 2-1 win over their bitter rivals.

With five goals and a number of assists to his name so far, Dolly has been the most influential local player and his exploits have been difficult to ignore. It is now up to coach Broos on how he intends to integrate the mercurial player into his high-flying squad.

Dolly said the years he spent overseas have helped him become a complete player, comfortable in any position assigned to him by the coaches.

“Versatility, I think that is what I learned abroad. Wherever the coach needs me, I will perform and put my best boot forward. That is what it is about for me.

‘’I have matured as a person and as a player and here I will give my all. The ultimate prize, being part of a World Cup squad going to Qatar. Which player does not want to be a part of that?” asked Dolly.

The revitalised player said things in football at times do not always go as smoothly as they appear to be and players, at times, experience the ups and downs of life.

Before returning home to play for Chiefs, the 28-year old had struggled for form at his French club Montpellier, something that was exacerbated by a nagging knee injury. It is chalk and cheese, his game then and now.

“I needed the experience, I needed to leave my comfort zone and grow up. It was hard to face some of my lowest moments alone far from loved ones, but it has made me stronger mentally,” said Dolly, who became a father in May this year.

The big decider to move back home or stay in Europe boiled down to family decisions.

“My fiancé and I had to decide, do we stay or do we let our baby girl grow up surrounded by family. So we chose to move back home and, in hindsight, it was the best decision for everyone,” he explained.