Kaizer Chiefs defender Edmilson Dove is delighted to be back on the field
and contributing to the team this season, after an injury-blighted start.
The Mozambican has established himself as a key cog in Chiefs’ defence,
either at left-back or at centre back, since being signed as a free agent
after a brief trial period last season.
Dove was hoping to continue that under Molefi Ntseki, but injury meant he
missed the early part of Chiefs’ campaign.
However, he made an inspired return to the side last week, with a Man of
the Match performance in Chiefs’ 2-1 win over Sekhukhune.
Full time score: (Castillo 59’, Dove 76’) Kaizer Chiefs 2 : 1 Sekhukhune United (Mokwana 45’)
DStv Man of the Match: Edmilson Dove#Amakhosi4Life #DStvPrem #Khosified pic.twitter.com/6KQI1F0ZGC
— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) September 27, 2023
“Obviously, it wasn’t how I wanted the season to start for me,” Dove
said. “It is difficult, as a player, not to be on the field doing what we
love, but I just had to deal with it in a positive way and try to focus on
my recovery. I’m happy now that it’s a thing of the past and I am back
with the gents.”
“It was amazing to come back into the team and contribute with a goal and
a good performance,” he added.
“I have been eager to get back so when my chance came, I wanted to play
well and contribute to the team, and I am happy I did. Obviously, there
are areas where I can improve. It wasn’t a 100 percent perfect game, but
we learn every day. I should also give credit to my teammates because, at
certain times in the match I felt a bit tired, this being my first game
and lacking match fitness, but the guys kept pushing me and motivating me
to keep going.”
Dove is now looking ahead to Tuesday’s match against his old side Cape
Town City, at the FNB Stadium. The 29-year-old is relishing the encounter,
as Chiefs look to continue their winning ways.
“I’m taking it as just any other game, and our preparation is the same as
for any other opponents. I am just hoping that we are the winners on the
day, and that’s all,” he said.
“I don’t want to speak much about how they are doing right now because my
main focus is Kaizer Chiefs. Come Tuesday, we are going to do the best we
can and be able to walk away with the three points. We are playing at home
in front of our brilliant fans so we must impose ourselves on them.”
https://twitter.com/MzansiSoccer11/status/1707111312747086131
