Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Keagan Dolly has weighed in on what it means representing a club of Chiefs’ calibre, saying it is demanding and comes with pressure.
Amakhosi are one of the biggest and most successful clubs in the history of South African football.
The Glamour Boys have been an attractive club to local and international players for many years, because of their decorated history.
They have also produced some of the best players in the country.
Amakhosi also have quality training facilities that consist of a high-performance centre at their famous Kaizer Chiefs Village in Naturena, southern Johannesburg.
However, in recent years, Amakhosi have seen their opulent history being clouded by poor performances, trophy drought, and talented players going in and out of the club due to not living up to expectations.
Weighing in on the subject matter of players not reaching their full potential as soon as they land in Naturena, Dolly said he cannot speak for everyone but admitted that their recent trend is a bit of both – pressure of representing one the biggest clubs and getting too comfortable.
“The pressure here is different, Chiefs is a big brand … it’s known for winning trophies in the past and producing quality players,” Dolly told Sunday World recently.
“But it’s a bit of both [whether players relax or feel pressure to perform] and for me, the experience was different because I wanted to come here from France to show why I played in Europe … so the motivation to do well and achieve at the club has always been there.
“I wouldn’t speak on different players because everyone’s experience is different when they come to Chiefs, because one might say it’s the pressure while others say something else.”
The well-travelled midfielder joined Amakhosi as a free agent during the 2021/22 season, after his stint for France Ligue 1 outfit Montpellier.
Now at the age of 30 and nearing the twilight of his career, Dolly said before he can start contemplating about his dream of coaching, he first wants to help Chiefs return to their glory days and deliver trophies.
