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

The 29-year-old is part of a youthful Mambas side in Gqeberha and will face Bafana Bafana in their opening match on Wednesday, before meeting eSwatini and Botswana.

Dove told SABC Sport he was asked by the national team staff to consider being a senior figure for the tournament and he accepted, despite the arrival of a new technical team in Naturena.

"Obviously, I feel like, as football players, this is probably the highest stages of our careers, being here and representing our nation," said Dove.

"It's not only about myself, but obviously the coach spoke to me, and he told me his ideas and what he was looking for from me, and obviously, I'm more than willing to be here to help.

"Obviously the club situation is a bit tricky, but I think that's something I'll give thought to when I go back and rejoin the team."

READ: Hlanti, Dolly and Sithebe leaving Kaizer Chiefs

The centre back was also included in Mozambique's AFCON squad earlier this year and is adamant that turning his back on his country is never an option. 

"You know, every time I'm called upon to represent the national team, we should be willing to say yes and come here and give our all," he added.

"We're representing more than 30 million Mozambicans, it's not only about ourselves anymore, as I said. It's a pride to be here and represent the nation.

"So I'm just one player out of all those the coaches could have selected, that would come here and add value, and I'm hoping we can do well."