Kaizer Chiefs’ new signing Edmilson Dove has been described as a rare package of a defender by his former Mozambican club UD Songo’s captain.
Songo’s skipper John Banda told FARPost that Dove is a typical all-around modern defender capable of offering Amakhosi defensive and offensive options owing to his athleticism and versatility.
“With the modern game, left and right backs should join attacks, things which he does best. When it comes to defending, he is brilliant. We have learned a lot from him. We wish him well in his new team,” Banda tells FARPost from Tete Province in Mozambique.
According to the Songo midfielder, being an international player with a wealth of experience also makes Dove a good influence on a team.
“He is a very good guy on and off the field of play. We will miss him because since joining us, he has helped us a lot. He is a true definition of a professional player. He is a motivator and a good defender,” Banda said.
Chiefs also lauded the 27-year-old’s versatility when unveiling him on Thursday after tying him to a two-year contract following a successful medical.
“The talented left-footer, who is able to play at wing-back and centre-back, has been training with Amakhosi and will be eligible to play once his paperwork has been finalised,” Chiefs tweeted.
Dove has been training with the Naturena-based side for a couple of days as they looked to fill the left-back position.
The wing-back is said to have impressed coach Arthur Zwane while representing Mozambique’s Mambas at the 2022 Cosafa Cup held in Durban last month.
Dove has returned to South Africa, where he made a name while at Cape Town City for over three seasons until last campaign.
He returned home to Mozambique to sign for Songo in February 2022 season in a bid to recapture his form, which had dipped due to niggling injuries.
City coach Eric Tinkler had made it clear to the Mozambican international that he was not guaranteed regular football due to stiff competition, which he was expecting.
Before the Cosafa Cup last month, Dove said injuries contributed to his exit from City, but he had kept his options open. He did not rule out a return to South Africa.
“After my injury, a lot of things did not go the way I wanted them to go, but I cannot dwell on that…doors will open, and I am willing to take the next step when that happens,” he said.
He said he was helping the new generation of Mozambican players appreciate the importance of playing in international competitions such as Cosafa.
Chiefs, the four-time league champions, finished the just-ended season in South Africa empty-handed.
