‘My heart is broken’: Chipezeze after Magesi FC relegation

Warriors goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze has poured his heart out following his team Magesi FC’s relegation from the Betway Premiership to the Motsepe Foundation Championship following promotion/relegation play-off matches where Milford FC secured a historic promotion.

Seshego Stadium was a scene of raw emotion on Saturday as the Zimbabwean international and Magesi FC captain endured one of the most painful nights of his career.

A 1-1 draw with Milford FC in the decisive final play-off confirmed Magesi FC’s drop, ending their two-year stay in South Africa’s top flight, Betway Premiership.

ELVIS CHIPEZEZE CONSOLED BY HIS CHILDREN AT FULL-TIME

Warriors goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze in Magesi FC colors. Picture by Magesi FC

For Chipezeze, it was more than a result. It was the collapse of a season-long fight for survival. At full-time he stood on the pitch in visible heartbreak, later comforted by his children in a moment that laid bare football’s raw emotions.

“I have suffered the feeling of failure. It’s awful, my heart is broken. There is no worse feeling than fighting to the end only to fall short,” Chipezeze said.

The veteran goalkeeper, known for his composure and leadership, marshalled Magesi FC from the back and played the full 90 minutes.

Hopes were high when Zimbabwean striker Edmore Chirambadare put Magesi ahead in the 14th minute. But Menzi Chili’s 59th-minute equaliser for Milford shifted the pressure. Magesi needed a winner to stay up, but the goal never came.

The 1-1 draw sent Milford FC to the Betway Premiership for the first time in the KwaZulu-Natal club’s history. For Magesi, the 2024 Carling Knockout champions, it meant relegation.

His 2025/26 campaign was defined by resilience. Magesi only avoided automatic relegation on the final day of the regular season, beating Richards Bay FC 1-0 to finish 15th and reach the play-offs.

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