Kaizer Chiefs defender Edmilson Dove has provided an update on the progress of his recovery after suffering an injury during the team's pre-season tour of Turkey.
Dove is yet to kick a ball in anger this season after suffering an Achilles tendon rupture during Chiefs' pre-season training camp in Turkey.
The injury ruled the Mozambican out for the rest of the 2024 calendar year, but he has now revealed that he is making steady progress in his recovery.
"By the grace of God, I have been recovering well," Dove told the club's media.
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"I have started running on the field, still doing functional work and strengthening.
"Hopefully, I will be soon back training with my teammates, featuring in games, and working myself back into the national team, which is something I will focus on once I'm fully recovered," he added.
The centre-back faces another challenge, though.
He is not registered for Amakhosi this season as the side had to free up one foreign spot to add new signing Inacio Miguel as the league only allocates five spots per club for foreign players.
Nasreddine Nabi may look to offload one foreign player in the upcoming January window via loan or an outright sale.
Additionally, the 30-year-old is entering the final six months of his extended one-year deal with the Soweto giants.
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Meanwhile, for all the confusion surrounding his status at club level, the defender is beaming with pride for his national team, who have qualified for next year's AFCON.
"It's a huge pleasure for us to be able to qualify for a second time in a row to participate in a competition as huge as AFCON.
"It's a moment of pride and also for the millions of Mozambicans that have been supporting us through thick and thin. They also deserve this moment.
"We are excited about the prospect of playing in the AFCON tournament.
"It's a huge competition, and we are looking forward to the challenge. We will work hard to make sure we are well-prepared and make our country proud," he declared.