Bafana Bafana forward Keagan Dolly reveals why he struggled in France

Bafana Bafana forward Keagan Dolly has opened up about his time in France, as well as his struggles at Montpellier.

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Dolly spent four and a half years at the French Ligue 1 side who then released him at the end of the last season, before he joined Kaizer Chiefs.

Dolly often hampered with injuries at Montpellier

Dolly’s time at Montpellier was often marred with a plethora of injuries, some long-term. Those, on their own made it hard for the Johannesburg-born player to settle in, and solidify his place in the squad, whenever given the opportunity.  In the end he was restricted to just the one goal in 56 appearances in France and he has now opened up on the possible reasons why he struggled there. 

Gives reasons for his struggles in France

“Before I left for France, I played at Ajax, I played at Sundowns and I played regularly and hardly got injured. When I went to France it was a different thing. I couldn’t break into the first-team. I think I first had to get used to a different culture and, obviously, a different language as well.” Said Dolly to the media.

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Dolly then went on to detail how the initial settling in period affected him in France, even to the extent of questioning his move. 

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“So, the first six months were difficult for me and from there, I didn’t have the confidence, and each time I did get the chance to play I either came off injured or I didn’t play well. “I think that had a mental effect on me. I was far from home and I didn’t have a lot of support, and I always felt like, ‘was it the right move? Was I really happy to be there?’ Dolly continued.

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Dolly also reveals that the effects of that would trickle on to his football. 

Why he is thriving back in South Africa for Chiefs

“You could see that on the field as well. I wasn’t free, I wasn’t myself and yeah, it was just a confidence thing with me.Now that I am back home, I feel good. I have support from everyone and it’s always good to see that people are behind you and that they have your back, and I think I needed that in France.” Dolly concluded.

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Dolly has been in superb form for Chiefs since joining his boyhood club on a free transfer at the start of this season. His five goals so far, including a Soweto Derby brace has seen him recalled to the Bafana Bafana squad for the first time since his return to South Africa.