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Pablo Franco on why Dolly’s move to AmaZulu didn’t happen

Former AmaZulu FC coach Pablo Franco Martin has explained why they didn’t utilise the opportunity they had to sign the former Kaizer Chiefs attacking midfielder Keagan Dolly.

The left-footer departed Amakhosi at the end of the 2023/24 season following a decision by the club not to retain his services when his contract came to an end.

This brought to an end a three-year stay he had at Naturena, having arrived at the start of the 2021/22 season from the French side of Montpellier.

During his time with the Phefeni Glamour Boys, Dolly made 67 appearances across all competitions, scoring 14 goals and registering 11 assists in the process.

AmaZulu were offered the opportunity to acquire his services during the offseason.

The club’s former mentor, Martin, revealed that they were reluctant to sign Dolly due to doubts about his fitness levels. The 31-year-old had recently returned from a significant injury layoff.

Former AmaZulu FC coach Pablo Franco Martin on the touchline
Pablo Franco Martin – Picture courtesy of AmaZulu FC

The Spanish coach said that while they recognised the player’s abilities, they were worried about the fact that he didn’t get sufficient playing time in the previous season.

He further disclosed that Dolly was given the chance to train with the Durban-based team, but he did not show up.

DOLLY DIDN’T HONOUR THE INVITATION TO TRAIN WITH AMAZULU

“He was offered to us this pre-season, as you know,” Martin told FARPost.

“We all know about his quality, but we had doubts about his fitness level after the long-term injury and not getting too much game time last season.

“We offered him to come and train with us as he was doing with some other teams so we could see his real state, protecting the interests of the club, but he never came.”

Dolly has a new home at TS Galaxy now, having joined the club as a free agent. He has already made his debut, featuring in their 3-1 win over Sekhukhune United on Tuesday in a league game. 

RELATED STORY: TS Galaxy coach delivers verdict on Keagan Dolly’s debut

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