Kaizer Chiefs head coach Molefi Ntseki has given an update on Keagan Dolly’s fitness ahead of the club’s DStv Premiership clash against Royal AM.
Ntseki’s troops return to action at FNB Stadium on Saturday after the FIFA international break, which gave some of their players time to recover from injuries.
One of the players, Dolly, is close to returning to action after a five-month absence due to a knee injury.
Ntseki confirmed that Dolly will miss Royal AM’s clash but expects the star player to be ready to feature in “a week or so”.
Dolly suffered an anterior cruciate ligament tear (ACL), which on average takes six to nine months to recover from back in April in a game against Sekhukhune United.
The 30-year-old recently featured in a friendly match against Motsepe Foundation Championship side AmaTuks, playing for 45 minutes.
DOLLY NEARING RETURN TO CHIEFS AFTER INJURY
“Keagan Dolly just played his first 45 minutes when we played a friendly,” said Ntseki at Naturena on Thursday while addressing the media.
“I think we all know what type of injury he sustained. It’s not going to be just a quick return to play. He’s still going through his ‘back-to-play’ protocol, tactically and physically.
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“But I think mentally he’s very strong. He looks sharp in terms of his tactical understanding of the game. Hopefully, in the next week or so, he will be available for selection.”
Dolly’s return will boost Amakhosi’s chances of ending their long drought as they are set to face Mamelodi Sundowns in the return leg of the MTN8 semi-final following a 1-1 draw in the first leg at FNB Stadium.
The Soweto giants last won a trophy in the 2014/15 season, and Dolly, one of the leaders at Naturena, is expected to key a role this season.
He has featured in over 55 games for Kaizer Chiefs, with 14 goals and 10 assists.