Former Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Keagan Dolly has opened up on his TS Galaxy exit, revealing that he wanted to stay at the club but it was no longer worth it.
A few months ago, Galaxy chairman Tim Sukazi told Soccer Laduma that the club would love to keep Dolly. It appeared Galaxy had plans for him not just on the field, but off it too, as they saw him playing a different role in future.
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But, not so long ago, the 32-year-old was declared a free agent, leaving the Rockets despite all the talk of the club wanting him to stay.
Currently in camp with South Africa's African Nations Championship (CHAN) squad, Dolly spoke to media on his Galaxy exit.
"I wanted to stay, but obviously a few decisions had to be made in terms of senior players and salaries and all of that. I think the chairman spoke about it, but for me I didn't think it was worth it anymore to stay at the club and not get what you deserve. I felt it was time for me to move on and try to look for something better, not only for me. I am getting to the later stages of my career, so it's also about my family at this point, where everyone is comfortable," Dolly told media after the CHAN squad's practice match against Angola on Tuesday.
"I had to think long and hard about it. To be fair, TS Galaxy were good to me. They are a good club and they promote a lot of youngsters. But it was just a decision that I had to make for my future and my family's future."
South Africa are in Group C at CHAN, with Algeria, Guinea, Niger and Uganda. The tournament, co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, kicks off this weekend.
The CHAN squad, coached by Molefi Ntseki, is made up mostly of free agents, and they now have an opportunity to represent the country and make history by winning the competition.
"For a lot of us, it's an opportunity to represent our country and try to win something. It's been 12 years since we participated in the tournament. We are excited. It's a good balance of youngsters and experienced players. We all know that a lot of us have been struggling for teams, but it's just a good opportunity to come together to see players you've been playing with and enjoy each other's company and try to win something for the national team.
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"We are working really hard. Each day, I think we are getting better and we are understanding what the demands are from the coach (Molefi Ntseki) and what we need to do going forward."
The CHAN squad has a practice match lined up against Motsepe Foundation Championship side Baroka FC on Friday.
