Mozambican defender Edmilson Dove has expressed his gratitude to Kaizer Chiefs after overcoming a serious and lengthy ordeal prior to the start of the season.
Dove’s thankful attitude stems from his recent recovery from a ruptured Achilles tendon, an injury sustained during Chiefs’ pre-season training in Turkey that required surgery.
On Thursday, the Soweto giants announced that Dove is now fully healed and available for selection for the first time this campaign.
However, it is unclear whether he will form part of the Chiefs squad as they take a short trip to Pretoria to face Mamelodi Sundowns in a sold-out Betway Premiership tie on Saturday afternoon. The highly anticipated encounter will be staged at Lucas Moripe Stadium, with kick-off set for 15:30.
Dove thanked Chiefs, particularly the club’s medical staff, for providing the necessary resources and support during his recovery.
EDMILSON DOVE GRATEFUL FOR KAIZER CHIEFS RECOVERY AID
He conveyed his appreciation for Amkahosi’s role in enabling him to return to full fitness and resume running.
“It hasn’t been an easy journey, but by the grace of God, I am running again,” said Dove. “I want to thank the doctors and express my gratitude to the Club for all the resources that were put at my disposal to help me recover as soon as possible.
“I also deeply appreciate the support from my teammates and the technical staff. It has really helped me a lot.”
Meanwhile, Dove’s return provides a timely option for Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi at left-back. The departure of Thatayaone Ditlhokwe to Al Ittihad of Libya created a vacancy. Subsequent attempts to fill the role with Bradley Cross and Happy Mashiane have not yielded results.
Dove, whose primary position is left-back, was initially deregistered due to his injury at the start of the season. But Nabi recently indicated Dove’s impending return, stating, “[Dillan] Solomons and Dove need time to play friendly matches and get themselves fit.”
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