We have failed the club, says Edmilson Dove as Kaizer Chiefs chase PSL top-eight against Polokwane City

It’s a tale worn thin by time, yet here we are again – an up-and-down season unfolding its final chapter, with Kaizer Chiefs’ fate hanging in the balance as the curtain falls on Saturday against Polokwane City at the FNB Stadium (3pm kick-off).

The Amakhosi have endured a challenging campaign overall, marked by one of their worst defensive performances in recent memory.

As they approach the final round, there’s no margin for error – not just at the back, but also going forward, as victory is non-negotiable.

They find themselves on a knife’s edge, facing the bleak prospect of missing out on the MTN8 for a second consecutive season.

The 2023/24 season was expected to be one to forget for the Phefeni Glamour Boys, yet somehow, they have slipped even further.

Even a victory on Saturday won’t see them surpass last season’s 36-point total, and they have already conceded two more goals despite playing fewer matches.

Still, there is a glimmer of hope, and defender Edmilson Dove believes that a win this weekend could ignite the spark the team needs to regroup and collect maximum points, as they aim for a stronger showing next season.

“Every game is crucial for us, especially with where we find ourselves on the table,” Dove said yesterday.

“We hoped we could have done better in the last game, especially knowing that we are playing to be in the top eight. 

“But nothing is lost yet.

“We still have one more game to go, and we have been preparing on what we can do better for the upcoming game, and hopefully we can get all three points.”

The Mozambican international has had to navigate a personal campaign interrupted by injuries, while also stepping up as a senior figure in a backline that has been plagued by their own injury setbacks throughout the season.

Despite those challenges, Dove believes that as a group, the players could have done much more to prevent the Amakhosi from ending up in a position where their top-eight hopes rest on the final match-day.

“When I came here, I came to win titles and to improve not only as a player, but as a human being. he continued.

“This is one of the biggest teams in Africa, and when you come here, you come to win titles and not to build and not to find yourself in positions we currently find ourselves in.

“In my opinion, we have failed the club because we have failed to deliver. But that is why we are given chances to fight with every opportunity we have.

"At this point in time, we can’t dwell on the past, but we have to look forward and see what is ahead of us."

As the curtain draws on a disappointing campaign, Dove remains adamant that Chiefs must shift their focus to the task immediately in front of them – ending on a competitive note against Polokwane, and salvaging pride with a top-eight finish.

“Yes, we could have had a better season and done better, that is a sentiment amongst the group,” he said.

“But I think now we want to focus on what we can do for the moment, and that is qualifying for the top eight.”