When Edmilson Dove next casts a glance in the mirror, a lot of questions will visit his mind as the new season looms large, what with the latest in a series of misfortunes to have befallen the Kaizer Chiefs defender.
Dove's troubles from Chiefs' ill-fated 2023/24 season are well-documented. Most notable among these were his injury troubles, which restricted his starts to a mere 15 in the league.
As if that was not enough, the dreadlocked player experienced the humiliation of getting red-carded twice in the same season, let alone that this happened within the space of two months.
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His first sending-off came during a 0-0 draw against Moroka Swallows in March, when he fouled Gabadinho Mhango, who was through on goal, in the 47th minute.
Then, in an entertaining affair against Galaxy that ended 2-all in May, he again saw red after handling the ball in the box on the stroke of half-time for his second bookable offence, which also saw a penalty given for Sead Ramovic's men.
That all of this was happening at a time when his contract was approaching its expiry, in June 2024, would have been of great concern to the former Cape Town City man.
Rumours started swirling that he would be let go, and when he was allowed to report for Mozambique duty for the COSAFA Cup last month, it was seen as a sign that his time as an Amakhosi player may well have been over, as the tournament does not fall under the FIFA calendar dates.
Of note is that no players from either of Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates were named in Helman Mkhalele's Bafana Bafana squad for the same tournament, an indication of the Big Three's trepidation around players getting injured at a time when pre-season was nearing.
Yet, in an unexpected turn, Dove was recalled to the Soweto giants' camp before he could kick a ball in anger for the Mambas in the competition. This, following the finalization of talks with new head coach Nasreddine Nabi, and the defender made the trip to Türkiye for pre-season preparations.
If he thought that was the end of his bad spell, then the left footer was in for a rude awakening.
No sooner had the Glamour Boys touched down in Europe, than news surfaced of the 30-year-old's injury, necessitating a return to South Africa for treatment.
"Kaizer Chiefs' defender Edmilson Dove has joined the Club's injury list after he suffered an injury during Friday's session at Amakhosi's pre-season training camp in Türkiye," revealed the club.
"The Mozambican international has been examined by the medical team in camp. He will leave Türkiye and head back to South Africa for a full assessment and medical attention.
"We wish him, and the rest of the injured fellows a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing them back on the training grounds and field of play soon."
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All of the above in addition to having also served a suspension last year after accumulating four yellow cards.
The seriousness of Dove's injury is yet to be ascertained, for, if he is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines, then more misery awaits as the centre-back might not be registered for the season ahead.
Could a footballer be more unlucky?