Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere, Zimpapers Sports Hub
WHAT a way to bounce back! Warriors’ goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze is strongly tipped to win the Betway Premiership’s Goalkeeper of the Year award following a stand-out season between the posts.
The Magesi shot-stopper has been in exceptional form, keeping 12 clean sheets despite conceding 31 goals in 30 matches across all competitions.
The former Chicken Inn goalkeeper’s performances have not gone unnoticed, earning him a recall to the Zimbabwe national team. He has already been recognised by Extra-Time and SoccerZone as the best goalkeeper of the season.
Speaking to KickOff.com, Chipezeze said he is not focused on winning the award but is honoured to be recognised for his efforts.
“I’m just grateful for the work we’re putting in as a football club because, without the team, my name wouldn’t be linked to the Goalkeeper of the Season award. At this stage, I’m not even thinking about the award itself. Just being mentioned in such a context and having my hard work recognised means a lot to me — I couldn’t ask for more,” he said.
Chipezeze also acknowledged the performances of his peers.
“Many goalkeepers have done well at their respective clubs, like Ronwen Williams and Sipho Chaine. Credit should also go to them. For me to be mentioned among the candidates for the best goalkeeper award is an honour, especially considering the calibre of goalkeepers in our league.”
The 2024/2025 Betway Premier Soccer League awards, originally scheduled for June, were postponed due to Mamelodi Sundowns’ participation in the 2025 Fifa Club World Cup. A new date is expected to be announced soon.
Chipezeze, along with Germany-based midfielder Jonah Fabisch and Belgium-based winger Bill Antonio, was recalled to the Warriors squad last Tuesday as Zimbabwe prepares for upcoming international friendlies.
The Warriors are set to face Burkina Faso and Niger on Friday and June 10 respectively, with both matches scheduled to be played in Morocco.
Despite missing the recent World Cup qualifiers, Chipezeze has reasserted himself as one of the top goalkeepers in the South African top flight.
Warriors captain Marvelous Nakamba will miss the friendlies due to injury, while vice-captain Marshall Munetsi, veteran forward Knowledge Musona, and Mamelodi Sundowns’ Devine Lunga have all been granted a break in mutual agreement with the coaching staff.
