Kaizer Chiefs and Mozambique defender Edmilson Dove has provided a positive update on his recovery from a long-term injury setback.
The Mozambican international sustained the injury during the club’s pre-season training camp in Turkey. The injury was severe enough to require him to return to South Africa alongside fellow new signing Bongani Sam, who was also injured.
Since his return, Dove has been sidelined and has been undergoing intensive rehabilitation to recover from the injury.
The injury has significantly impacted Dove’s season. As a result, the former Cape Town City FC star has yet to make a single appearance for Kaizer Chiefs under the guidance of Tunisian coach Nasreddine Nabi in the 2024/25 campaign.
Furthermore, the injury ruled Dove out of Mozambique’s 2025 AFCON qualifiers. Despite this setback, Mozambique secured their place in the tournament for the second consecutive time.
EDMILSON DOVE SAYS HE HAS STARTED RUNNING ON THE PITCH
Dove has revealed that he’s recovering well from the long-term setback as he has started running. At the moment, he’s doing some functional work and strengthening.
“By the grace of God, I have been recovering well. I have started running on the field, still doing functional work and strengthening,” said Dove.
“Hopefully, I will be soon back training with my teammates, featuring in games, and working myself back into the national team, which is something I will focus on once I’m fully recovered.”
The 30-year-old is one of the Amakhosi players facing an uncertain future at the club. The Mozambican international was given a one-year contract extension ahead of the 2024/25 campaign before his injury.
In addition, the Soweto giants already have six foreign players in their squad, of which the PSL limit is five. Other foreign players include Fiacre Ntwari, Inacio Miguel, Edson Castillo, Christian Saile and Thathayaone Ditlhokwe.
There is stiff competition for a starting place in the Chiefs line-up. Miguel and Dortley are the preferred centre-back pairing. As for Given Msimango and Ditlhokwe, they have been getting some game time during matches. On the other hand, Zitha Kwinika is yet to feature this season.
RELATED STORY: Ntseki gives injury update on Dolly, Chivaviro and Dove