There is nothing that brings joy to a footballer like playing for the national team and it’s the same feeling with Keagan Dolly.
The Kaizer Chiefs attacking midfielder is happy to be back in the Bafana Bafana squad as they are preparing for 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Ghana.
Bafana Bafana face Zimbabwe’s Warriors at the FNB Stadium in Nasrec, Johannesburg, on Thursday and the Black Stars away in Cape Coast on Sunday. Both qualifiers are going to start at 21h00.
“Obviously, I’m happy to be back. It’s every professional footballer’s dream to play for the national team. I’m just here to help where I can,” Dolly said.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns and Ajax Cape Town player played his first Soweto derby this past weekend. And it was a match to remember for him as he netted a brace to lead Chiefs to a 2-1 win over their rivals Orlando Pirates.
“Scoring two goals in a Soweto derby is something that I have always wanted to be part of. I just feel at home, you can see me on the field,” he said.
Dolly returned home and joined Amakhosi after spending time at French club Montpellier.
“I think my time in France was a bit difficult. It was something new. It’s something I had to go through as a person and as a player,” he said.
“I think I’m more experienced now, I’m more mature and you can see on the field. I’m more decisive with my decision making. I’m just happy to be back home. I’m enjoying myself. I feel like the old Keagan Dolly. I’m scoring goals, I’m creating chances for the team. My confidence is back and that’s always a good thing.”
Dolly, however, admitted that it was difficult for him in France, especially in the first six months.
“When I left for France I played at Ajax, I played at Sundowns. I played regularly. When I went to France it was a different thing. I couldn’t break into the first team. I first had to get used to a different culture. Obviously, a different language as well. The first six months were difficult for me. I didn’t have confidence,” Dolly said.
