Chipezeze explains why he signed for Magesi

After being unveiled as one of Magesi FC’s new recruits on Wednesday, Elvis Chipezeze spoke for the first time, opening up on his decision to join the newly promoted Motsepe Foundation Championship outfit.

Chipezeze joined the side at the beginning of the new season after parting ways with arch-rivals Baroka FC where he spent four seasons. 

Among the club’s experienced new signings are Vuyisile Wana, Mpho Raseoana, Njabulo Buthelezi, and Jackie Letwaba.

The 32-year-old goal-minder revealed that he decided to sign for the Limpopo club because he sought a new career challenge.

“Well, joining Magesi is a challenge that I really relish, with the belief that the coach [Jackie Ledwaba] and the CEO [John Mathibe] trusted me to give me this opportunity,” he told journalists in Polokwane.

“Allowing me to come and help the team is something that I cherish.

“I’m really up for the challenge. You know, in life, you can’t succeed without going through some challenges. So, that is the main reason why I came here so that I can help the team with the experience that I have.”

Chipezeze arrived in South Africa back in March 2018 to join Bakgaga from Zimbabwean side Chicken Inn on a pre-contract deal. He went on to make his PSL debut for Baroka in August of the same year during their 1-all draw with Highlands Park.

The ex-Gweru Pirates shot-stopper made his debut for Zimbabwe in 2019 at the COSAFA Cup tournament against Zambia.

He was also part of the Warriors’ 2019 Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON] squad.

Chipezeze has already made his debut for his new side in a Limpopo derby against Tshakuma Tsha Madzivhandila last weekend, where he helped Magesi to salvage a point at home following their 1-1 draw with the Vhembe-based side.

After the game, he received a lot of praise from the club’s head coach Jackie Ledwaba, who commended the goalkeeper’s stellar display on the day.

“He [Chipezeze] helped us a lot with his experience there. Our opponents were on top of us. Their strikers are very powerful and strong, but we absorbed them.

“His extensive experience really came in handy, and made no mistake.

“He really saved us, especially with those crosses, long balls and throw-ins.”