An AFCON-bound coach has singled out a Kaizer Chiefs player for praise, saying he’s vital to his plans.
The coach of Mozambique’s national football team, Chiquinho Conde, is pinning his hopes on Kaizer Chiefs defender Edmilson Dove at the next edition of the AFCON.
Mambas booked their place at the next edition of the AFCON after beating Benin 3-2 in Maputo.
Mozambique returns to the AFCON finals after an 11-year absence. And Dove is expected to be a key player for them.
Dove, who recently returned from injury, was left on the bench as the coach feared risking him.
Conde, who took over as Mozambique coach in 2022, has revealed the qualities that set Dove apart.
WHAT CONDE SAID ABOUT KAIZER CHIEFS DEFENDER DOVE
“Edmilson is one of the captains of our national team,” Conde told FARPost. “Besides being a versatile player, because he plays on the left side of defence or central defence on the left side, he is a team player and leader.
“It will always be an option for my game plan, whether I play as a starter or substitute.”
The AFCON is the biggest football tournament in Africa. And it is a chance for players to showcase their talent to the world.
Dove hopes to use the tournament to make a name for himself and help Mozambique succeed. AFCON will be held in Ivory Coast from January 13 to February 11, 2024.
However, he has a lot of work to do at club level, with newly signed defender Thatayaone Ditlhokwe establishing himself well alongside Given Msimango in central defence.
Dove has missed the first few games of the season due to injury. Chiefs coach Molefi Ntseki has played Sifiso Hlanti at left-back while Ditlhokwe played left centre-back.
Nonetheless, Ntseki will be happy to have Dove as an option either at left-back or in the centre.
The 29-year-old often partnered with Zitha Kwinika in central defence last season and will be looking to fight his way back into the team.
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