Kaizer Chiefs defender Edmilson Dove is feeling a sense of gratitude after coming out of the medical room to be ready for his team’s crunch game on Saturday.
Chiefs will visit log leaders and champions Mamelodi Sundowns in the Premiership at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville (3.30pm kick-off).
And given that Sundowns have been pulling away in the title race, with their only blemish being two losses in 19 games, Chiefs need to be at their best for this showdown.
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⚽️Mamelodi Sundowns vs. Kaizer Chiefs
👕First Team
🗓️Saturday 01 March 2025
🏟Lucas Moripe Stadium
🕞15h30
📺SuperSport 202
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However, coach Nasreddine Nabi received a bit of good news this week as Dove returned to full training since being sidelined with an injury during pre-season.
The Mozambican international couldn’t hide his excitement to be back at training following the daunting spell in the medical room.
“It hasn’t been an easy journey, but by the grace of God, I am running again,” Dove said on Chiefs’ social media platforms on Thursday.
“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.”
Dove must repay the support he got during his tough spell by being at his best – if he gets to play – when they visit the champions of Mzansi for the past seven years... they certainly do need him.
Chiefs have been porous in defence, including conceding four goals in the last game against SuperSport United on home soil.
Chiefs have been thin in defence following the void left by Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, who recently joined Libyan side Al-Ittihad.
So, considering that Dove is back and fully fit, Nabi will be hoping that they can show an improved defence when they face the Brazilians.
Dove is raring to go and ready to plug the loopholes in the team’s defensive structures, starting in the game against Sundowns.
“These are the types of games each player wants to be involved in. There is no need for any extra motivation,” Dove said.
“We are all excited. You can see it in the eyes of our players and the work they are putting in this week.”
Indeed, Chiefs will need to be at their best against the Brazilians if they are to avoid another walloping, like the one they got when the two sides met in the Carling Knockout quarter-final.
The Brazilians are the most clinical team in the league, having scored 11 goals in the last three league games, including thumping Sekhukhune United 4-2 on Wednesday night.
Dove knows the depth of Sundowns, which include front trio Lucas Ribeiro, Peter Shalulile and Iqraam Rayners, too well, but he’s focused on Chiefs’ game-plan instead of theirs.
“Obviously, they are a good side. They have depth in their squad and have been on a good run,” Dove explained.
“But as far as I am concerned, I don’t worry too much about the opposition because at the end of the day, what matters most is what we do.
“Our purpose is to be at our best to give a good account of ourselves because that is the part we can control. Obviously, we do analysis on our opponents, but we primarily focus on our own approach.”
A win over Sundowns would go a long way to boosting Chiefs’ season, especially given the fact that they’ll face Magesi FC in the league next Wednesday, before their clash against Stellenbosch FC in the Nedbank Cup quarter-final.
“We still have a lot to play for this season, and our policy is to take one game at a time,” Dove explained.
“We want to get through to the next round of the cup, or collect as many points as we can in our remaining matches. The vibe throughout the club is positive and highly motivated.”