Ramon Catala shields Elvis Chipezeze after costly blunders

Warriors coach Ramon Catala has refused to throw Elvis Chipezeze under the bus, refusing to make the veteran goalkeeper a scapegoat after his shaky performances in the two 2027 AFCON qualifiers against Sierra Leone and DR Congo.

The 36-year-old Magesi FC shot-stopper conceded twice in Thursday’s dramatic 3-2 win over Sierra Leone before another questionable goal in Monday’s 2-1 defeat to DRC at the National Sports Stadium. 

In total, Chipezeze conceded four goals in two matches. His errors have sparked a wave of criticism from fans, and former footballers but Ramon Catala insists football is never about the goalkeeper alone.

‘WE CAN’T BLAME HIM ALONE’ SAYS CATALA

“Elvis alone cannot be blamed. Yes, we conceded goals in two games, but we concede as a team,” the Spaniard said after the match.

“He is like any other player, he must be protected. We win together, we lose together. It is not fair to point fingers at one player. We defend together, we attack together.”

For Chipezeze, the DRC clash carried painful history. It was against the same opponents, seven years ago on 30 June 2019 at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo, that his Warriors career unravelled.

With George Chigova injured and Edmore Sibanda also out, Chipezeze was thrown in when Zimbabwe needed a win to stay alive at AFCON. But he made three blunders and Zimbabwe were thrashed 4-0 and knocked out.

That night in Cairo had all but ended his international career. While he rebuilt his reputation at club level, becoming a hero at Baroka FC and Magesi FC, the national team ignored him for almost six years.

His exile ended in March 2025 when Michael Nees recalled him. Now back in the fold, the 36-year-old finds himself fighting the same demons and facing the same questions that haunted him in Cairo.

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