His first touch in a Kaizer Chiefs shirt against Mamelodi Sundowns yielded a goal for Khama Billiat and in Keagan Dolly’s first Amakhosi league start against Baroka he walked away with the man of the match honours.

The early signs for the Chiefs creative midfielder have been very encouraging, and while he’s happy with the strides he is making, he is trusting the “process” and not rushing to get ahead of himself.

“Based on our first half performance (against Baroka), any one of us could have got the man of the match award. When a team performs well, the individuals always stand out. Luckily tonight, it was me,” Dolly said after Chiefs’ 2-1 first victory over Baroka in their first DStv Premiership home match of the season at FNB Stadium.

“With me starting my first match, I feel good, especially as the team got the three points. We played well and we created opportunities. It always feels good to be involved. Most importantly, we won the match. It felt good being out there with the boys on the field. What stood out for me is that all the stuff we do on training, especially the passing, movement and creating chances, that came out. That always makes you feel good as a person, as well as getting on the ball. So, I’m feeling much better,” Dolly said as he gradually eases his way back to full physical and match fitness after four months without football since his departure from French Ligue 1 side Montpellier.

He has brought maturity, experience and skill to Amakhosi’s midfield, as well as a greater attacking threat, but Dolly cautions he is not in a rush and is still working on hitting his stride.

“I’m taking it each step at a time. I’m not in a hurry to be at the top. It’s a process for me and that goes for the team as well. We are focused on what we set out to achieve throughout the season. It’s only the second game. There are a lot of positives we can take from this game and also a lot we need to work on. With each game we will just get better,” Dolly said.

While proud of his early personal exploits in an Amakhosi shirt, most satisfying for him is the gradual improvement in the team’s understanding and performance.

“For me individually it’s just to keep on growing and contribute to the team’s success. That is my aim, just to help where I can and to keep getting better, getting more match fit and gaining match sharpness. In time that will come,” Dolly said in conclusion.

With Chiefs now off to an enforced break due to the international round of fixtures, Dolly has more time to regain his physical fitness, before gearing up to support Chiefs as they face his old Mamelodi club Sundowns again in quick succession in the DStv Premiership away on September 12.