Kaizer Chiefs withdraw Edmilson Dove from COSAFA Cup

It’s the latest twist on the ongoing changes at Naturena with the imminent arrival of coach Nasreddine Nabi, who has sent over his backroom staff to begin assessing the team and making recommendations ahead of the 2025/24 season. 

READ: Why Edmilson Dove chose COSAFA over Kaizer Chiefs pre-season camp

Dove, who is out of contract at the end of the month, told SABC Sport on Tuesday that he’d agreed to represent Mozambique in the regional competition out of a sense of pride and would only attend to the “tricky situation” at Chiefs later. 

But it appears as though the Soweto giants intend on retaining the services of the defender, considering the latest developments. 

According to a statement released by the Mozambique FA hours before facing hosts Bafana at the Nelson Mandela Stadium at 18:00 this evening, Dove is now unavailable. 

“Mozambican international left-back Edmilson Dove is a last-minute casualty for the COSAFA Cup, which kicks off today and runs until 7 July in Port Elizabeth, South Africa," read the statement.

"Edmilson was supposed to play against South Africa tonight, but was not authorised by his club, Kaizer Chiefs. In response to the FMF's letter/request, sent on 19 June, the club only responded yesterday, 25 June, at 15:50,” the federation confirmed. 

Coincidentally, Dove joined Amakhosi in August 2022 on the back of an impressive display at the same tournament in Durban at the time. 

The 29-year-old is now in the final few days of his contract and Chiefs are working on their playing personnel before Nabi arrives. 

As reported by SABC Sport, Amakhosi released defender Sifiso Hlanti and midfielders Keagan Dolly as well as Siyethemba Sithebe on Tuesday, while retaining attacker George Matlou for another year. 

Dove is now expected to return to the club for pre-season – and with the competition not within the FIFA calendar it means Mozambique have no say.