Online Reporter
If Elvis Chipezeze’s football career was motivated by money, he would have probably made an effort to seek greener pastures when Magesi FC got relegated from the Betway Premiership.
But that was not the case.
The Zimbabwean international is more concerned about “connection’ and that’s exactly what he has at Magesi.
The connection he has with the club’s supporters is special and it was visible in how they chanted his name during the pre-season Mafori Cup held at Seshego Stadium in Polokwane, Limpopo, on Saturday.
“You saw by yourself. That special connection with the fans and the football club on its own. When I look back where I’ve been and where I am now, it’s because of the football club. We’ve come a long way.
“We’ve suffered together and we’ve had good times together, so I just felt like I need to give back something nice to our lovely fans, so that we can try to push this season. That was the main reason, the connection with the fans and the football club. It’s something that’s special for me,” Chipezeze told Soccer Laduma.
“With me, it wasn’t about money. It’s the passion for the football club. Like I said, I share a special bond with the football club. With the money issues, I didn’t have to worry about that one. It’s to stay loyal to the football club because they’ve done nice things for me. They played a part to be where I am now. You can’t just say it’s about money and stuff like that. With me, it does not work like that.” Soccer
It’s not the first time getting relegated in his career, having been there before with Baroka FC. He later joined Magesi and inspired them to promotion to the topflight, so he is familiar with hitting rock bottom and bouncing back. This is where his experience will come in for Magesi this season in their bid to make a return to the Premiership.
“I’ve been in this position before and it’s a tough one to accept. But sometimes, as a man, you fall down, but what’s most important is how you rise up. It was a difficult season, but we just have to push this season and take it one game at a time,” he said.
Magesi unveiled their new signings during the Mafori Cup.
They’ve brought in Naeem Amoojee, Matome Mabeba, Vusi Sibiya, Sphelele Magubane, Thabang Ramolomo, Seun Ledwaba and Elmo Kampindu. They’ve appointed Kabelo Sibiya as head coach, while Morgan Mammila has stepped into the big role of Director of Football.
They are moving like a club determined to make a return to topflight football, but only time will tell if they can achieve their goal -Soccer Laduma.
