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.
“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.”
