Kaizer Chiefs' new season, which was marked by a come-from-behind 2-1 win over Marumo Gallants on Saturday, started without the registration of Mozambican defender Edmilson Dove.
Dove suffered an injury during the pre-season camp in Turkey after being recalled during off-season.
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His contract was due to expire on June 30 and the player was on his way out when he was brought back just before the start of the COSAFA Cup, where he was playing for Mozambique.
Upon being told to come back, the option of a further year on his contract was activated and he was on the flight to Turkey.
Unfortunately, disaster then struck when injury happened while in camp, forcing the dreadlocked star to return early.
That injury has since forced him to return home, where he is undergoing his recovery process while using crutches.
The estimation of his return points to a possibility of not playing again this season.
In the meanwhile, Dove has not been registered for the new season.
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In his absence, Chiefs will have Inacio Miguel (Angola), Fiacre Ntwari (Rwanda), Thatayaone Ditlhokwe (Botswana), Edson Castillo (Venezuela) and Christian Saile Basomboli (DR Congo) as the five foreign players.
Three new signings that play either left-back or left central defence have been added in Rushwin Dortley, Bongani Sam and Bradley Cross during the current window.