Keagan Dolly is favoured to wear the Kaizer Chiefs armband next season. Image: @kaizerchiefs / twitter

Kaizer Chiefs star Keagan Dolly makes shock admission

Keagan Dolly is ready to accept a lot of responsibility for Kaizer Chiefs ahead of the Soweto Derby. Here’s what he had to say.

by James Freemantle

24-02-2023 08:35

in Premier Soccer League

Keagan Dolly is favoured to wear the Kaizer Chiefs armband next season. Image: @kaizerchiefs / twitter

Keagan Dolly was well aware of the pressure that comes part and parcel with being a Kaizer Chiefs player.

The ex-Montpellier man, who returned from France last season, says he understands that the blame will fall on him and his performances will always be scrutinised.

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Chiefs fans want more from Dolly

Sections of Amakhosi supporters believe that Keagan Dolly can produce more than what he is currently delivering.

“I knew when I came to Chiefs that there would be pressure, based on where I have played before and how I have performed before.

“But I can take it. It is not something new to me. It’s a challenge that I need to deal with,” says the 30-year-old Dolly.

“And I feel like I am dealing with all of it. I don’t feel like it’s making me feel bad… It is a challenge I am looking forward to overcoming.

“I think I have been doing well. I feel that when the team is not doing well, the blame comes to me.

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kaizer chiefs orlando pirates soweto derby — Saturday will see the 177th meeting between Kaizer Chiefs and their Soweto neighbours Orlando Pirates at the FNB Stadium. Photo: Samuel Shivambu – BackpagePix

Dolly relishes the responsibility

“But I take it, I am one of the captains. I am one of the senior players and I come with experience.

“It is a part of the game and I need to soldier on,” adds Dolly who played for Mamelodi Sundowns a few years ago before going overseas.

Dolly has three goals and four assists from 19 DStv Premiership games this term, and fans will demand that he produce a match-winning display in the Derby.

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Dolly must guide the Kaizer Chiefs youngsters

Over 80 000 fans are expected at FNB Stadium on Saturday, while millions more will be watching on TV in the comfort of their own homes. It’s an occasion that could easily overwhelm the Kaizer Chiefs youngsters, so Dolly knows the role he needs to play in that regard.

“It is the same message going forward… They must not play the occasion. We all know it is a big game and we all want to be a part of it,” says Dolly.

“We all know what is at stake. But once they focus on the occasion and how packed the stadium is going to be, they lose concentration on the game.

“So, I tell them to stay in the moment and play the game first. And if we win, we will celebrate afterwards and start thinking about the outside factors.”