Kaizer Chiefs handed Edmilson Dove boost: Mozambican star ready to face Mamelodi Sundowns - 'I don't worry about Masandawana'

Versatile defender Edmilson Dove has not been in action yet this season for Kaizer Chiefs.

The experienced Mozambique international was injured during the pre-season camp in Turkey back in July.

The 31-year-old has been under rehabilitation for the best part of the ongoing campaign but no appears to be on the verge of making his comeback to first team football.

"Amakhosi coach, Nasreddine Nabi will be delighted to have Edmilson Dove available for this weekend’s Betway Premiership blockbuster against Mamelodi Sundowns, with the Mozambique international fully recovered from injury," the Soweto giants confirmed on Thursday.

"Nabi has been unable to utilise the experienced defender all season so far after he ruptured his Achilles tendon during the Club’s pre-season training camp in Turkiye and was forced to return home early to undergo reconstructive surgery."

Dove is delighted to be back and has promised to deliver for the club in both the Nedbank Cup and the PSL.

“We still have a lot to play for this season and our policy is to take one game at a time, either to get through to the next round of the [Nedbank] Cup, or collect as many points as we can in our remaining matches. The vibe throughout the Club is positive and highly motivated,” the Mozambique international said as quoted by the team's media team.

“Obviously, [Sundowns] are a good side. They have depth in their squad and have been on a good run, 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," Dove concluded.

The left side of the Chiefs defense has been a problem for coach Nasreddine Nabi.

Bradley Cross has been inconsistent, Thatayaone Ditlhokwe was sold and Happy Mashiane is injury prone.

Former Orlando Pirates defender Bongani Sam has not convinced Nabi that he is ready for the task.

It will be interesting to see whether Dove will provide a lasting solution and whether he will be thrown straight into the first team to take on Sundowns on Saturday.