Why Chipezeze stayed put at Magesi while other Zim stars return home

Warriors goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze has revealed why he has opted to stay at Magesi FC in South Africa at a time when several Zimbabwean stars are heading back home.

Earlier this week, Magesi FC confirmed the departure of 12 players as they prepare for life in the Motsepe Foundation Championship following relegation from the Betway Premiership at the end of the 2025/26 season. And Chipezeze isn’t going anywhere.

Chipezeze enjoyed historic success at Magesi FC, captaining the side to 2024/25 Carling Knockout Cup glory and winning Player of the Tournament. The 36-year-old also claimed four Man of the Match awards during the cup run and has made 148 appearances across all competitions in South Africa.

While Edmore Chirambadare, who shared the dressing room with Chipezeze at Magesi FC, opted to return home and join Chicken Inn FC — the club that gave him his platform — the goalkeeper has stayed put.

Chirambadare joins the likes of Washington Arubi, Gerald Takwara and Prince Dube, who have all returned to the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League in recent weeks. Arubi joined Caps United while Takwara and Dube joined Hardrock FC.

Over the last two years, big names like Khama Billiat, Knowledge Musona and Terrence Dzvukamanja have also re-established themselves in Zimbabwe after illustrious careers abroad.

But Chipezeze, who captained Dikwena Tša Meetse last season, is content to remain at the club despite the fact they will now be competing in the Motsepe Foundation Championship. Chipezeze has also played for Baroka FC in South Africa.

I WANTED TO CONTINUE BUILDING MEMORIES SAYS ELVIS CHIPEZEZE

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

Speaking to the South African media on Tuesday, 14 July, the veteran keeper, Chipezeze said it was all about loyalty, making memories and unfinished business.

“Well, it was just me, as I wanted to continue building memories with this football club because we have been together for about four seasons,”Chipezeze said.

“I was happy with the project, and I felt that, personally, things didn’t go well in the Betway Premiership. So, I wanted the team to stay in the top flight. As a football player, I like challenges.

“Why don’t I go for another year and try to create good memories with this football club? You know, the chairman [Solly Makhubela] had a vision, and for the vision to be out there, you need to be part of that. So, it was a decision from me that I think I need to go for another year.”

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