By OBAKENG MAJE
31 July 2025- Bafana Bafana interim coach, Molefi Ntseki said he is happy with the progress that his players have made as South Africa continues to prepare for next month’s African Nations Championship (CHAN) in the East of Africa. The CHAN tournament will be held in East Africa in three countries – Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda – between 2-30 August 2025 and Ntseki’s charges played a training match against Angola (it ended in a 1-1 draw) behind closed doors at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Tuesday morning as part of their preparations.
They have been in camp in Johannesburg since last week and Ntseki said while getting the players he wanted for this tournament was a challenge, the personnel he has in camp with him have put their hands up.
“It has always been a challenge to select (CHAN squads) and this has been the case from our first (qualifier) against Egypt (in March) and then the game against Malawi (in May), but I think the players that were made available for selection are quality, and players that are very proud to be selected and to be part of this team.
“You can tell from the attitude and the work rate of the players that we have had since we started with the qualifiers and the game we played today,” he said.
Ntseki further said they have 15 players (in the team) that are unattached, but it is not because of a lack of quality from their side. He added that there are many other reasons why these players are not attached and these are good quality players.
“They’ve been in the league for more than five and ten seasons, so you can’t go wrong if you ever have these types of players that are part of the team going into CHAN. So, I am very, very impressed and very happy to have this group,” said Ntseki.
Keagan Dolly said he was excited when he received the call to join the CHAN-bound team.
“I couldn’t say no, and I didn’t even hesitate, you know, when the call-up came. Since Friday, the conversation (in the camp) is that we want to win it for ourselves as individuals and also for the country, you know, to make history.
“That’s what we’re doing. We’re focusing on now and just taking each day as it comes. I think this is our fourth day together, so I think we’re improving as a team and individuals,” said Dolly.
He said he will say it again that it’s always an honour and a privilege to wear these colours. Dolly said you know, not a lot of people get the opportunity to represent their country, especially in a country that has many young boys, who aspire to be professional footballers.
“Not a lot of people get this opportunity. So, when it came, I told you I didn’t hesitate. I always want to represent the country and no matter the level, you know.
“I always want to be there and try to achieve as an individual and, you know, just be a part of a special group like this who has the opportunity now to create history also,” he said.
The Guardian 