Keagan Dolly Slams Age Bias in South African Football. 

image: Internet

by Lwandiso Simanga
Veteran South African footballer Keagan Dolly has spoken out against what he sees as
age discrimination in the Premier Soccer League (PSL). Now 32 and a free agent, Dolly
believes players over 30 are being unfairly sidelined, often forced into early retirement
despite having much to offer.

Dolly, one of South Africa’s most seasoned professionals, has had a decorated career
with top clubs like Mamelodi Sundowns, Ajax Cape Town (now Cape Town Spurs),
Kaizer Chiefs, and most recently TS Galaxy. He also had a five-year stint in France with
Montpellier and has represented South Africa at various levels.

Following his release by TS Galaxy at the end of the 2023/24 season, Dolly expressed
disappointment at how older players are treated in the local game. “It’s disappointing. A
lot of players before me have had to leave clubs simply because they were over 30,” he
told SABC. “Some struggle to find new teams and are forced to retire. But we still have
a lot to contributenot just on the field, but by mentoring younger players.”

Dolly hopes South African clubs will start valuing experience, highlighting the
importance of seasoned players in nurturing future talent. Despite his current free-agent
status, he remains hopeful that perceptions will change, allowing experienced
professionals to continue enriching the local game.