Dolly: I’ve matured as a person and a player

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Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Keagan Dolly is determined to impress Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos when they welcome Zimbabwe to the FNB Stadium for their penultimate Fifa World Cup qualifier on Thursday.

The former Mamelodi Sundowns star has been in some fine form for Amakhosi this season, having already bagged five goals and four assists in 11 appearances across all competitions.

His impressive performances for the Soweto giants caught Broos’ attention and earned him a place in the Bafana squad for their upcoming fixtures against Zimbabwe and Ghana.

Dolly is determined to work hard and give his best while representing the South African national team as he looks to cement his place within the youthful squad.

“Versatility, I think that is what I learned abroad. Wherever the coach needs me, I’ll perform and put my best boot forward, that is what it is about for me. I’ve matured as a person and a player and here I’ll give my all. The ultimate prize being part of a World Cup, which player does not want to be a part of that?” Dolly told Safa.

The 28-year-old’s recent stint in France at Ligue 1 outfit Montpellier HSC was not what he expected it to be as he struggled with injury and a lack of game time, with him scoring one goal and claiming three assists in 63 appearances across all competitions.

“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,” he added.

Dolly also recently celebrated his goal against Chippa United to honour his baby girl Kiera, when he pointed to her birth date etched on his legs and mimicked rocking a baby.

“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,” Dolly explained.

“I promised her a goal when I left home that day, and it came true! All for the little person who puts a smile on my face.”