Edmilson Dove is feeling positive about going into the new year with Club and country after Amakhosi extended their undefeated streak to four games in their final fixture of 2023 against Sekhukhune United on Saturday night.

Having played an integral role in the Club’s recent upsurge after having the early part of his season ravaged by injury, Dove is confident the Glamour Boys can continue their forward progress for the remainder of the season.

“We didn’t start the season as well as we would have wished,” he admits, “but I think we have been steadily picking up the pieces and ended the year on a high, so now we want to go into 2024 with the same momentum.”

The left-sided defender jets off to join his compatriots in the Mozambique squad for the 2023 Afcon tournament in Cote D’Ivoire, where Os Mambas will face powerhouses, Egypt and Ghana, as well as Cabo Verde in Group B of the pool stage.

“It is the first time we have qualified for 13 years so it is a big opportunity for us to do our best. I have been with the national team since 2014 and it is always an honour to represent my country,” he says proudly, adding, “For some of us who are getting on a bit, it might be our last chance so it is a good platform for every player to showcase his talent.”

Dove is the sole Amakhosi representative at the continental showpiece. However, he believes others from the squad are good enough to be part of the Bafana Bafana set-up.

“I would have liked to see some of my teammates called into the national team,” he says, “but at the end of the day, the coach is the right guy to decide who he wants to pick. I want to wish South Africa well and hope they do their country proud.”