Mozambique head coach Chiquinho Conde has explained why he believes Kaizer Chiefs have a gem in Edmilson Dove, describing the player as a ‘true professional’.
Conde, a big Dove fan says the versatile Mozambique international has already shown what he is capable of at Chiefs with decent performances so far this season.
Dove joined Chiefs as a free agent in August following a brief stint in his home country of Mozambique at UD Songo. Before that, he featured for Cape Town City in the DStv Premiership.
His Chiefs career began slowly, as he was not named in the squad for the first four games of the season. Dove also appeared as an unused substitute in two games against AmaZulu and Marumo Gallants, both of which ended in draws.
Dove made his debut in the 2-1 win over SuperSport United and has since started six consecutive games, playing the full 90 minutes. The defender has walked away with several Man of the Match awards.
He can play in a variety of positions, but for Chiefs, he has primarily played centrally on the left, while Conde prefers him at left back.
CONDE ON DOVE
“Left back, he is a mix. In the last game against Malawi, he played central left back, but his natural position is left,” Conde told FARPost.
“At the moment I prefer left back, if you have a player in this ball possession is better for us.
The Mozambique coach also highlighted what Dove brings to Amakhosi.
“I have confidence in him; he is a leader and supports his teammates, loves the game and talks all the time about it,” he said.
“He is very organised, same as a coach on the field; I like that. Dove is always looking to improve.
The 28-year-old has become a mainstay in the Chiefs defence as a left-footer, and his ability to play out from the back and excellent passing has increased his importance to the way Amakhosi coach Arthur Zwane wants to play.
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Article compiled by Tlalane Phahla
