Magesi FC goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze has turned down interest from other clubs to remain with the Limpopo side as they prepare for a demanding season in the Motsepe Foundation Championship – insisting he is staying to “create good memories” and drive an immediate return to the Betway Premiership.
The Zimbabwean international, who joined Magesi from Baroka in 2022, will line up in the second tier after the club were relegated via the PSL Promotional play-offs, losing to Milford in June.
Despite the setback, the veteran shot-stopper says he has committed to at least another year with the club, underlining his belief in the project and his determination to help Magesi bounce back at the first attempt.
“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.
Loyalty over offers after relegation
Chipezeze revealed that remaining with Magesi was a conscious choice, taken in full knowledge that he could have moved elsewhere following their drop to the Championship.
Chipepeze, who has been with Magesi since 2022 after joining them from Baroka, said his decision to stay despite interest from other clubs was motivated by a desire “to build memories again with the club, because we’ve been together now for four seasons and I was happy with the project [in the MFC].”
His commitment contrasts with the trend at many relegated sides, where experienced players often depart in search of top-flight football.
Instead, the 34-year-old has chosen stability and continuity, arguing that the squad’s familiarity and shared experience of the past four seasons can be turned into a strength in the campaign to regain Premiership status.
‘We just have to push together’
Chipezeze admits, however, that the road back will be far from straightforward.
The Motsepe Foundation Championship is widely regarded as one of the most competitive and physically demanding leagues in South African football, with promotion often decided by fine margins.
“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.
“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.”
Magesi’s failure to secure their Premiership status via the promotion play-offs has forced a reset at the club, but their goalkeeper believes the experience can galvanise the squad rather than break it.
‘Clean slate’ and patience the key
Looking ahead to the new season, Chipezeze has urged his team-mates and supporters to adopt a long-term, patient approach, taking the campaign “one game at a time” rather than fixating on promotion from the outset.
“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.”
His message underlines a shift in focus at Magesi: away from the disappointment of relegation and towards rebuilding a side capable of competing at the top end of the Championship table.
With a seasoned international goalkeeper choosing to stay when he could have left, Magesi’s hierarchy will hope that Chipezeze’s example sets the tone in the dressing room – and that his appetite for “challenges” translates into a sustained push back to the Premiership.
