In a blunt assessment, Kaizer Chiefs defender Edmilson Dove has acknowledged “we have failed” as the Soweto giants grapple with contrasting fortunes compared to their rivals Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.
For nearly a decade, Chiefs’ trophy cabinet in Naturena has gathered a thick layer of dust as players and coaches come and go while the club seeks to end its prolonged drought.
In the current season, Amakhosi, under the guidance of Nasreddine Nabi, have experienced a rollercoaster of fortunes. Nabi, who joined the club in July 2024, having won six trophies at Yanga SC, arrived with the promise of revitalising the team’s spirit. Yet on several occasions, Nabi reiterated that he’s building a team and asked the ‘Khosi Nation’ for patience. He also highlighted the need for quality players.
Initially, there was a sense of renewed hope among the Amakhosi faithful. However, as the season has unfolded, this optimism has begun to wane. The Soweto giants are languishing in eighth place in the Betway Premiership, struggling for consistency with just eight victories, ten defeats, and five draws in 23 games.
But a flicker of hope remains as the team continues in the Nedbank Cup, preparing for a crucial semifinal against Sundowns. With the league title out of reach and setbacks in the Carling Knockout Cup and MTN8, the Nedbank Cup is Nabi’s only chance to revive Chiefs’ glory days.
KAIZER CHIEFS’ FAILURE: DOVE SPEAKS OUT
While addressing the media during Chiefs’ media open day on Thursday morning in Naturena, Dove stated that they have fallen short and are seeking solutions to improve.
“I mean, it is a bit frustrating not only for them [supporters], but for us. Not looking at what others [Pirates and Sundowns] are doing but looking at ourselves,” said Dove. “I think this club deserves to be at the top, and we have failed a couple of times.”
Furthermore, Dove declared that he joined the Glamour Boys in 2022 to get a taste of silverware, as the club has a reputation for achieving success.
“I came here myself because I want to win trophies, and this is a club that can give you that. Having a feeling that you haven’t done what you were called for is quite frustrating, but we can only look forward and move on. I am 100 per cent sure that it can’t storm forever, so I think at some point we will get it right and bring the club back to its glory days.”
The versatile defender added: “This is not a team to be fighting for a top eight or top four. It deserves to be on top… But we can only control what we can, and the gents [players] are working extremely hard… We just need to continue being focused, never give up, be united, and continue pressing forward.”
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