Fresh from a commanding performance at the heart of the Kaizer Chiefs rearguard against Royal AM, Edmilson Dove is eager to get back in action, as Amakhosi look to build on their 2-0 win in Polokwane last weekend.

“I’m feeling good, pumped as always, getting ready for the next game,” says the jovial Mozambican.

Dove played through the pain barrier against Royal AM, going through the entire match wearing protective tape on his hand.

“Prior to the game I suffered a fractured finger, so I had to strap it up to give it some support. But now I have gone for surgery, which went well. It’s nothing that will keep me off the field so I am hoping to be there on Sunday,” he says, playing it down with a warrior spirit that has become a hallmark of his efforts to further the Chiefs cause.

The all-action defender has become a regular starter in Arthur Zwane’s line-up since signing as a free agent after being released by Cape Town City and is enjoying life in Johannesburg.
“Before joining Chiefs I had never lived in Joburg. I had just passed through before, coming from Cape Town. It’s good here, I’m settling well. My family is around so I’d say it has been great so far. I can’t complain,” he chuckles.

Amakhosi travel to Nelspruit to tackle TS Galaxy on Sunday afternoon, with three DStv Premiership points at stake. In addition, given Galaxy’s record against them in recent years it could provide some extra motivation, especially for the fans.

He is more concerned with the forthcoming challenge than dwelling on history.

“I didn’t know about that,” Dove admits, “but for us, as Kaizer Chiefs, when we step onto the field we intend to win every game no matter which opponent we are facing.

“This is going to be one of those games that we are going out to win. We know it will be a difficult match but we have been preparing very well and have assimilated all the information the coach has given us regarding TS Galaxy, so we are aiming to go there and get maximum points.”

The Club endured a barren January but began February in better form, beating Royal AM for the first time ever and Dove believes it could be the catalyst in turning their season around.

“As players, we want to win every match so we have not been happy with how things went in January,” he says, “but I think this win gives us a bit of a boost and confidence going into our next match.”

Having already found his name on the scoresheet and turned in man-of-the-match performances in his short Chiefs career so far, the likeable Dove still maintains modest personal aspirations for the weekend’s encounter.

“It would be nice, but as long as the team wins that’s what I want for the fans who have supported us through thick and thin. They have always been there for us and I think they deserve to smile a little bit, so if we can just win, it’s good enough for me,” he concludes with a wink

The match takes place on Sunday, 5 February at Mbombela stadium, Nelspruit and kicks off at 15:30.

Tickets for the match are on sale at Computicket and Shoprite/Checkers for R50.