Jonty Mark

By Jonty Mark

Football Editor


Dolly inspired by Bafana legends

Keagan Dolly says Bafana Bafana’s current generation are delighted to have former stars to look up to within the South African coaching ranks.


Bafana head coach Stuart Baxter has bolstered his coaching team with 1996 Africa Cup of Nations winner Andre Arendse and former Manchester United and Bafana midfielder Quinton Forture ahead of Friday evening’s 2018 Fifa World Cup qualifier against Cape Verde.

Arendse is the new Bafana goalkeeper coach, while Fortune has been brought along with a view to being appointed as Bafana assistant coach.

“For some of us, we are still a bit young, so seeing people we have always looked up to, who did it all before us, who played at the highest level, qualifying for major tournaments, winning major tournaments, it is motivation for us to try and surpass what they did and keep the legacy going.

“We can learn a lot from working with them, for me it is good to rub shoulders with Quinton Fortune, he is someone I Iooked up to when he was playing, I am looking forward to seeing what the team can give him and what he can give us through his experience.”

The Montpellier midfielder, meanwhile, is well aware of the importance of victories against Cape Verde in Praia on Friday and in Durban on Tuesday, as Bafana bid to qualify for Russia 2018.

“This one is up there as one of the most important (matches we have played), because it could determine our grip on the group. We are in a good position, we beat Senegal at home and drew with Burkina Faso. If we can get six points against Cape Verde, we have a proper chance to qualify for the World Cup.”