Kaizer Chiefs defender Edmilson Dove's change of fortunes has penetrated to the international stage, where he is due to make another return on Thursday.
Dove has had it rough this term after a pre-season knee injury, which required surgery and left him with scars.
Instead of sulking, the battle-hardened left-footer put in the work behind the scenes and ultimately came back at the beginning of this month (March), almost a year since he had last played for Chiefs.
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Five full shifts at the side have meant he arrives in the Mozambican national team with decent game-time after being recalled over a year since he last featured.
Dove's last game for the Mambas was at the AFCON finals in January 2024, but national team coach Chiquinho Conde has been quick to recall him to provide experienced options at left-back and left central defence.
Ahead of the FIFA World Cup qualifier against Uganda being played in Cairo, Egypt today, the 30-year-old went behind the microphones after spending the last two days training with strappings on his knee.
"We face the game with passion, but also with a lot of responsibility.
"We're focused to make a good result tomorrow (today).
"The opponent's position does not say much.
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"We are the focus, and we have to be cautious and hit the points directed by the coach.
"We are not only doing this for us but for thousands of Mozambicans.
"It's up to us to do our part to make the public happy," Dove told the travelling Mozambican media.