What the Siya crew has been told…

Kaizer Chiefs defender Edmilson Dove is attracting interest with several scouts from different parts of the world understood to be in Cote d’Ivoire to watch him play for Mozambique at the Africa Cup of Nations, the Siya crew has been reliably informed.

The player is said to be willing to take his career to another level by possibly securing an overseas move and will be using the rest of his national team’s games in the tournament to further impress.

At Naturena, he is already one of the fan-favourites and a standout performer under interim coach Cavin Johnson, who is an admirer of his talent.

With the player’s contract nearing an end, the club has kept their cards close to their chest about the plans for the 29-year-old.

“Edmilson Dove had a good start at the Africa Cup of Nations with his inspiring performance for the national team of Mozambique as they drew 2-2 with Egypt in the opening match last weekend. It might still be early in the tournament, but the player has already impressed scouts from some of the clubs from around the world,” said a source.

“There are scouts from a club in Saudi Arabia that are following the player seriously and you can expect them to make an offer for his services after the tournament as long as he continues to do well,” added the source.

Dove’s contract with Amakhosi runs until June this year and the club hasn’t yet exercised their oneyear option to extend the deal, according to the source.

“It’s true that the player’s contract with Chiefs has entered the last six months. He signed a two-year contract when he joined Chiefs in 2022, and while the club has an option to extend the deal by one more year, it hasn’t been exercised. It isn’t clear what Chiefs are planning to do, but being the big club that they are and how they like to take their time on issues to do with contracts, don’t be surprised if the option gets exercised at a later stage,” the informant explained.

It has been confirmed to the Siya crew that while Dove is still very much happy at the Glamour Boys with regards to how he is treated and the club’s professionalism, he would welcome an opportunity to secure his future for life after football with a big-money move overseas, should an opportunity arise.

With sources confirming interest from Saudi Arabia, it could rule out the possibility of him signing a new deal in Naturena even if he stays beyond the current season if the club decides to exercise the option.

“At his age, the next deal for Dove could be his last big one considering that if he signs for three years, it would take him to around the age of 33. Therefore, a decision that he will be made after the Afcon should be a wise one regarding his future. This doesn’t mean that he will be forced to leave Chiefs, but it will have to be a decision will suit everybody,” shared the source.

While he is originally a left back, Dove has been used mostly as a centre-back under Johnson as he can play in different positions in true modern football fashion.

Sources have hinted that Bafana Bafana defender Sifiso Hlanti’s situation could influence Amakhosi

in deciding on Dove.

Hlanti, who until recently has been a regular left back for the national team, will also see his contract with the club come to an end at the end of June.

“Dove isn’t the only player whose contract is coming to an end and that’s why Chiefs could take their time in deciding, because there are a few other players to consider. But his (Dove’s) situation is a little bit different because there are clubs interested in his services, including those from abroad,” said the mole.

While indications are that under the current technical team Dove might stand a good chance of a longer Chiefs stay, the club could wait until the coaching plans for next season are finalised to decide on players.

It has been widely reported that the Soweto giants could appoint a new coach at the end of the season to take over from Johnson, with the club already being linked with several top coaches from around the world since Molefi Ntseki’s contract was terminated by mutual consent in October, as confirmed by the Soweto giants.