Dolly feels free with U23s

Keagan Dolly says he has been able to freely express himself at national under-23 level because there's less pressure compared to club level football.

The Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder, pictured, bagged a brace at the weekend as Owen da Gama's under-23s cruised to a 3-0 victory second-leg 2016 Rio Olympics qualifier against Zimbabwe. That took his tally to four goals in three matches, having also netted in the first leg and in a friendly against Rwanda last week.

"I am more composed here. I have more confidence here at the national team because I play with players my age.

"I also have three years' experience in the PSL and it kind of shows when I play here.

"The coach [Da Gama] also gives me the freedom to express myself and I think that's the main reason why I have been performing so well," the School of Excellence product said.

Dolly missed Sundowns' pre-season trips to Zambia and Namibia while he was with the under-23s. Even though he missed out on a chance to impress coach Pitso Mosimane during the tours, the 22-year-old former Ajax man is confident he'll get a run in the side this season.

"Obviously I would have liked to be at my club to prove myself and get used to everything. But it's also an honour to represent my country.

"I might be losing out at Sundowns, but I am gaining this side by representing my country.

"The coach [Mosimane] has spoken to me and he told me that I should not be scared to play. I just want to play as much as I can," the left-footed player said.