Former Kaizer Chiefs defender Edmilson Dove has shared a heartfelt farewell message after his contract with the Soweto giants was not extended.
His departure, confirmed by the club, marks another significant step in Amakhosi’s ongoing squad overhaul.
Dove, 30, is the fourth player to part ways with the club since the conclusion of the 2024/25 season.
He follows striker Ranga Chivaviro and midfielder Sabelo Radebe out the exit door, while Njabulo Blom has returned to his parent club, St. Louis City.
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The news of Dove’s exit was announced by the Soweto giants across their official social media platforms, with the club expressing gratitude for his contributions over the past three seasons.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Edmilson for his contribution to Kaizer Chiefs and wish him all the best in his future endeavours,” read a brief statement from the club.
The Mozambican international joined Amakhosi in 2022 and quickly established himself as a versatile and reliable defender, capable of playing both left-back and centre-back. During his tenure with the Glamour Boys, Dove made a respectable 54 starts and two substitute appearances.
A notable highlight of his time at Naturena was being part of the starting XI that secured Kaizer Chiefs’ Nedbank Cup final triumph over arch-rivals Orlando Pirates earlier in May, bringing an end to the decade long trophy drought.
The player has now broken his silence, taking to Instagram to express his gratitude to the club’s leadership, technical team, teammates, and crucially, the loyal fanbase.
In an emotional message, Dove wrote:
“Dear DR KAIZER MOTAUNG, Thank you Mr Chairman for allowing me and my family to be part of the Amakhosi family, for allowing me to fulfil a childhood dream. It’s been a crazy ride of which I have grown not only as a player, but as well as a human being.
We had our ups and downs, we have shed some tears along the way but we also had joyful moments which I will cherish forever.”
He extended his appreciation to everyone associated with the club, from coaches and teammates to the kit managers, gardeners, and kitchen staff, emphasizing the “unbreakable bond created.”
Addressing the passionate Kaizer Chiefs supporters, he added: “TO THE FAITHFUL ONES: Thank you for your unwavering support throughout the years, even when we failed to deliver you remained by our side cheering for us. Your commitment and love for the team never Goes unnoticed, you are dearly Loved and appreciated.”
Finally, Dove acknowledged the unwavering support of his family, stating, “TO MY LOVELY FAMILY When times are Dark, you are my light. You are my Why. Thank you for always being my my side through it all. SALUTE.”
Dove’s departure signifies another piece of the puzzle in Kaizer Chiefs’ strategic rebuilding phase as they aim to regain their dominance and challenge for major honors in the upcoming football season.