- Dolly expressed a desired to return to Bafana squad
- Chiefs star last featured for national team in 2022
- 30-year-old has endured poor form this season
WHAT HAPPENED? Dolly missed out on selection to the Bafana Bafana squad to the just-concluded 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Liberia after coach Hugo Broos snubbed all Kaizer Chiefs players.
The 30-year-old has paid the price for a poor season at an individual and team level, scoring five while providing as many assists in 27 matches across all competitions, with the Glamour Boys also flattering to deceive in 2022-23.
Despite the snub, Dolly, who last featured for the national team in March 2022, is not giving up on a place in the team, especially now that South Africa have already secured their place in next year’s tournament, promising to do everything within his powers to convince Broos.
WHAT DID HE SAY? “I have always wanted to represent my country and I still want to do that,” said Dolly, as per TimesLive.
“It has always been my ambition to help the country qualify for major tournaments. That is still in me, but now I am fully focused on Kaizer Chiefs and the game at the weekend against Stellenbosch.
“We are happy that the boys have qualified and we are going to Afcon, but we don’t know what is going to happen next when it comes to selection. Whoever makes it to the tournament, they have to make sure we go there and make the country proud.
“For me, I am at the stage in my life and career where if I make the team, I will go and give my best for the country, but if I don’t make the team, it will give me time to spend with my family.
“I want to give my best to Kaizer Chiefs but if I go to Bafana, I'll definitely do my best.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE: Dolly has 23 caps for South Africa since making his debut in September 2014 in an Afcon qualifier against Sudan.
His last appearance for Bafana Bafana came in March 2022 when he played 24 minutes as France thrashed South Africa 5-0 in a friendly match.
His form will, however, have to improve greatly for Broos to consider him, given South Africa are loaded with attacking talents who are also younger than him.
WHAT’S NEXT? Dolly is focused on Saturday’s home league clash against Stellenbosch FC.