Magesi goalkeeper Chipezeze rejects exits to lead promotion fight

Magesi goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze says he has turned down interest from other clubs to stay and spearhead the team’s bid for an immediate return to South Africa’s top flight after relegation to the Motsepe Foundation Championship.

The Limpopo-based side dropped out of the Betway Premiership after losing the PSL promotion play-offs to Milford in June, ending their brief spell in the elite division.

But Zimbabwe international Chipezeze, who joined Magesi from Baroka in 2022, has committed to the club’s campaign in the second tier, saying he wants to help “build memories again” and restore their top-flight status.

‘I like challenges’

Chipezeze, who has now been with Magesi for four seasons, said remaining at the club was a deliberate decision despite other offers on the table.

His contract extension comes after a difficult Premiership campaign which culminated in relegation.

“Personally, things didn’t go well in the Premiership. I wanted the team to stay in the top flight, but that’s another challenge on its own. I like challenges … it was my decision to go another year and try to create good memories, and that’s my reason,” he said.

The 34-year-old said his bond with the club and belief in the current project in the Motsepe Foundation Championship persuaded him to stay.

He added that the squad, technical team and management now had to channel their disappointment into a unified push for promotion.

‘We have to push together’

Chipezeze admitted that Magesi’s relegation was a collective failure but insisted it could also be the catalyst for a new start.

“At the end of the day, we just have to make sure that as a football club we push together because we didn’t do well in the Betway Premiership and things like this always happen,” he said.

“We just have to focus and try to build the club and make sure it goes back to where it belongs. Participating in the Motsepe Foundation [Championship], we know it is going to be difficult mentally and physically, and we need to be prepared for that.”

The keeper warned that the second tier presents its own challenges, with demanding fixtures and tight competition, but said the team could not afford to dwell on their relegation.

‘Clean slate’ in the second tier

Despite the obvious setback of dropping down a division, Chipezeze described the upcoming campaign as a chance to reset and rebuild.

“It’s exciting times. We just have to be patient and take it one game at a time. We have to forget about the past. We are starting on a clean slate now and we just have to stay positive … and be patient,” he said.

Magesi will compete in the Motsepe Foundation Championship this season aiming for a swift return to the Betway Premiership, with their experienced goalkeeper at the heart of that push.

The club is expected to retain much of its core squad as preparations continue for what Chipezeze has called a mentally and physically demanding season in South Africa’s second tier.