With the season nearing its conclusion, one of South Africa's biggest clubs has reportedly begun finalising decisions on player departures, with a defender who recently secured his place as a non-foreign player surprisingly heading for the exit door.
The experienced international, whose South African citizenship was expected to strengthen his position at the club, now appears set to continue his career elsewhere with interest emerging from abroad.
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As previously reported by Soccer Laduma, defender Edmilson Dove was previously expected to stay at the club when his contract expires in June but now insiders have indicated that the Mozambican could leave the club with interest from the Middle East.
"At first with the team still looking at signing a new left back they were looking at keeping Dove as a local player but now it's believed that the club has reached a decision not to renew his contract at the end of the season. They are looking at bringing in some of their targets including Fawaaz Basadien and Hussein Mohamed and also promote Kabelo Nkgwesa. That's why they are believed to be releasing Dove," the source told Soccer Laduma.
Meanwhile a second insider stated that there is interest in Dove from a team in the Middle East.
"All I can say for now is that it is a team from the Middle East. I am not sure of the country but it is apparent that the deal is as good as done and that's the other reason why Chiefs haven't renewed his contract when it expires at the end of the season," the second insider revealed.
The Mozambican international joined Amakhosi in 2022 after he was released by Cape Town City on a two-year contract which was extended at the start of the current season.
After recovering from injury which he suffered while in the pre-season camp in Turkey, Dove started playing only in January and has so far featured in a decent amount of league games.
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Soccer Laduma contacted Chiefs for comment on the issue but there was no response at the time of publishing.
This decision signals a significant shift in Chiefs' defensive planning under coach Nabi, with the club apparently prioritising new acquisitions and youth development over retaining certain experienced players.
As Chiefs continue their squad overhaul following their Nedbank Cup triumph, this potential move represents just one piece of what promises to be an extensive summer of change at the Soweto giants.
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