Keagan Dolly
Early Life and Career
Keagan Dolly was born on January 22, 1993, in Johannesburg, South Africa. He grew up in a soccer-loving family and started playing football at a young age. His father, Ramon Dolly, was a former professional footballer and was his biggest inspiration.
Dolly started his career at the Ajax Cape Town youth academy and quickly established himself as a talented winger with pace and trickery. He made his debut for the first team in 2012 and went on to make 84 appearances for the club, scoring 15 goals.
Mamelodi Sundowns Career
2014/15 Season
In January 2014, Keagan Dolly signed for Mamelodi Sundowns from Ajax Cape Town. However, he was loaned back to Ajax Cape Town for the remainder of the 2013/14 season.
Dolly made his official debut for Mamelodi Sundowns on August 7, 2014, in a 1-1 draw against Maritzburg United in the MTN8 Cup. He scored his first goal for the club on September 24, 2014, in a 2-0 win against Polokwane City in the Telkom Knockout Cup.
Dolly quickly established himself as a key player for Mamelodi Sundowns, playing primarily on the left wing. He made 31 appearances in all competitions, scoring six goals and providing six assists.
2015/16 Season
In the 2015/16 season, Dolly continued to impress for Mamelodi Sundowns, helping the team win the Absa Premiership title. He made 36 appearances in all competitions, scoring 11 goals and providing 15 assists.
One of Dolly’s most memorable performances came in the 2016 CAF Champions League final, where he scored a crucial goal in the second leg to help Mamelodi Sundowns win the trophy for the first time in the club’s history.
Dolly’s performances earned him several individual awards, including the PSL Young Player of the Season, the PSL Player of the Season, and the ABSA Premiership Midfielder of the Season.
2016/17 Season
In the 2016/17 season, Dolly continued to be a key player for Mamelodi Sundowns, playing a pivotal role in the team’s run to the CAF Champions League quarterfinals. He made 26 appearances in all competitions, scoring six goals and providing seven assists.
Move to Europe
However, in January 2017, Dolly signed for French Ligue 1 team Montpellier HSC and left Mamelodi Sundowns. His departure was a big loss for the team, but he had played a major role in helping the club win several trophies during his time there.
However, Dolly’s time in France was plagued by injuries, and he struggled to maintain a consistent run of form. In 2019, he was loaned out to Turkish team, Genclerbirligi SK, where he made 10 appearances and scored one goal.
Keagan Dolly’s career at Montpellier HSC:
2016/17 Season
In January 2017, Keagan Dolly signed for French Ligue 1 team Montpellier HSC from Mamelodi Sundowns. He made his debut for the club on January 28, 2017, in a 2-1 loss to Metz. Dolly primarily played as a left winger or attacking midfielder for Montpellier.
Dolly struggled with injuries during his first few months at Montpellier, but he still managed to make 11 appearances in all competitions, scoring one goal and providing two assists.
2017/18 Season
In the 2017/18 season, Dolly played a more prominent role for Montpellier, making 22 appearances in all competitions, scoring two goals and providing three assists. He helped the team finish in 10th place in Ligue 1, their best finish in several years.
Dolly’s performances earned him praise from the Montpellier fans and coaching staff, who appreciated his technical ability and creativity on the ball.
2018/19 Season
In the 2018/19 season, Dolly struggled with injuries once again, making only six appearances in all competitions. However, he did manage to score a crucial goal in a 2-2 draw against Stade Rennais in January 2019.
Despite his limited playing time, Dolly continued to be a popular figure among the Montpellier fans, who recognized his talent and potential.
2019/20 Season
In the 2019/20 season, Dolly began to show more consistency for Montpellier, making 21 appearances in all competitions, scoring two goals and providing five assists. He played an important role in helping the team finish in eighth place in Ligue 1, their highest finish in several years.
Dolly’s performances once again earned him praise from the Montpellier fans and coaching staff, who recognized his potential as a creative attacking player.
2020/21 Season
In the 2020/21 season, Dolly struggled with injuries once again, making only 11 appearances in all competitions. However, he did manage to score a crucial goal in a 2-1 win against Nimes in February 2021.
Despite his limited playing time, Dolly continued to be a popular figure among the Montpellier fans, who appreciated his technical ability and creativity on the ball.
Return to South Africa
In 2020, Dolly returned to South Africa, signing a contract with Kaizer Chiefs, one of the most successful and popular teams in the country. He made an immediate impact, helping the team reach the final of the CAF Champions League in his first season.
Dolly’s speaking about his problems at Kaizer Chiefs
Keagan Dolly, the captain of Kaizer Chiefs, has taken responsibility for the team’s recent poor performances, saying that he understands the pressure and scrutiny that comes with playing for one of the most popular football clubs in South Africa. Dolly signed for Chiefs last season after returning from France and was aware of the expectations that came with playing for a club with such a rich history and passionate fan base.
Dolly’s Recent Struggles
Recently, Dolly has been under pressure from some sections of the Chiefs supporters who feel that he is not contributing enough. However, the 30-year-old midfielder is not letting the criticism get to him, saying that he can handle it and that he is dealing with it well. He understands that being one of the senior players in the team comes with added responsibility, and he is willing to shoulder that burden.
Playing Style and Attributes
Dolly is known for his pace, dribbling ability, and creativity. He is a versatile player who can play on either wing or in the midfield, and he is equally comfortable playing as an attacking midfielder or as a wide player. Dolly’s technical skills and ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates make him a valuable asset for any team.
Off the Field
Outside of football, Dolly is known for his philanthropic work. He is a brand ambassador for the Reach For A Dream Foundation, a charity that helps children with life-threatening illnesses. He has also been involved in several community development initiatives, including building soccer pitches in disadvantaged areas and providing soccer equipment to local schools.
Conclusion
Keagan Dolly is one of the most talented and versatile players in South African football. He has established himself as a key player for Kaizer Chiefs and the South African national team and has won several awards and accolades for his performances. Off the field, Dolly is a role model and inspiration to young footballers, and his philanthropic work has helped to uplift his local community.
