Kaizer Chiefs have activated a one-year contract extension for Edmilson Dove, ending speculation about his future.
The decision comes amidst a period of change and upheaval for the PSL giants.
Colombian forward Jasond Gonzalez was the first to leave the club at the end of his barren one-year loan spell. Amakhosi this week parted company with the quartet of Sifiso Hlanti, Njabulo Ngcobo, Siyethemba Sithebe and Keagan Dolly. George Matlou, on the other hand, had his contract extended by another year.
The Mozambican international, barred from representing his country in the COSAFA Cup, has become the latest member to receive an extension. Dove is scheduled to return to Johannesburg from Gqeberha, where the COSAFA tournament is taking place. He will join his teammates for the pre-season preparations.
With his current contract including a one-year renewal option, the club’s decision to exercise it underscores the defender’s value to the team. The 29-year-old has been a constant presence in the backline, seamlessly transitioning between left-back and central defence positions.
This adaptability has proven invaluable, especially during the period when injured teammate Thatayaone Ditlhokwe was absent. During that period, Dove partnered with Given Msimango at centre-back in a season marked by defensive vulnerabilities for Chiefs.
WHY CHIEFS HAVE RENEWED EDMILSON DOVE’S CONTRACT
Notably, the club is currently grappling with several departures at the back. Hlanti, Ngcobo and the tragic loss of Luke Fleurs have left them thin on numbers at the back. In this context, retaining Dove, who made 18 appearances in all competitions last season, looked certain.
Dove joined Chiefs from Mozambique’s UD Songo in August 2022. His first stint in South Africa was with Cape Town City in 2017. He was part of the Citizens side that won the 2018/19 MTN title.
Meanwhile, the club has yet to decide on the future of veteran goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune. Sources say the former Amakhosi captain is carefully considering his options as his contract nears expiration in the next few days.
Despite the club’s announcement earlier this season that would be his last, the 37-year-old hinted at a possible continuation during the campaign, leading to speculation about his future. The former Bafana Bafana number one seemingly has the option to take up a non-playing role at Chiefs. He could also decide to move to another club and continue playing.
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