Kaizer Chiefs could let go of their ill-disciplined defender

Kaizer Chiefs defender Edmilson Dove’s on-field discipline has been a major problem this season.

The 29-year-old defender received his second red card of the season during Amakhosi‘s 2-2 draw with TS Galaxy on Tuesday evening. Coming into the match, Chiefs needed a win desperately following their 5-1 humiliation against Mamelodi Sundowns.

Amakhosi scored first against The Rockets but Dove’s clumsy handball saw his side concede a penalty. With the match heading into half-time, the Mozambican defender was booked for the second time, forcing Kaizer Chiefs to play with 10-man.

Amakhosi played better with 10-man and even netted a second goal but Galaxy came back to force a draw.

Former Kaizer Chiefs defender Mokete Tsotetsi said he was concerned about Dove’s suspensions. He has received two red cards this year alone meaning he had to miss important games.

“It’s very concerning, to be honest, Tsotetsi told Soccer Laduma.

Since the team has not been doing well, you obviously need every single player that you have. He has been playing and they need him to play more, but he has to serve suspensions at a crucial time in the season, then it affects the team in a way. The coach needs every player because they are trying to finish in the top eight,” he said.

Ex-Kaizer Chiefs defender concerned about Dove’s discipline

“But you also need to consider that Dove is not a natural centre back. So, these kinds of things of getting red cards can happen,” Tsotetsi added. He is a full-back, naturally. But it’s concerning because the team needs every single senior player to at least finish in the top eight.”

The former Cape Town City defender joined Kaizer Chiefs in 2022 and has been hot and cold during his two-year stay. He has slotted at centre-back or left-back but hasn’t looked convincing in the 16 league matches he played.

Edmilson Dove to miss Chiefs’ next games

Dove’s contract with Kaizer Chiefs is set to expire at the end of June. The club however has an option to renew his contract. Earlier this year, he featured for Mozambique in the Africa Cup of Nations where he impressed. Unfortunately, his form dropped when he returned to Naturena in February.

With Kaizer Chiefs in the hunt for a new coach, they might also opt to bring a new defender for next season. The club is currently eighth in the DStv Premiership with three matches remaining.