Zimbabwean goalkeeper wins 4th man-of-the-match prize in Carling Cup

Zimbabwean goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze has played down his individual success in the Carling Cup, insisting that bringing joy to Magesi FC fans outweighs the R400,000 he earned from four Man of the Match awards during the tournament.

The 34-year-old former Chicken Inn shot-stopper capped an outstanding tournament with another heroic performance in the final, where Magesi pulled off a shock 2-1 victory over South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns.

Chipezeze, whose crucial saves thwarted Sundowns' star-studded attack, was again named Man of the Match, earning a fourth R100,000 cheque. However, speaking on SuperSport TV after the game, he highlighted the importance of making the fans proud.

Gratitude to the Fans

"I'm just grateful to the fans," Chipezeze said. "These people pay their hard-earned money to come and watch us play. At the end of the day, we have to return the favor to them by giving performances like today. As long as they're smiling, I'm happy."

Game Plan and Underdog Mentality

Magesi's victory was built on tactical discipline and determination, qualities Chipezeze emphasized in his post-match comments.

"We knew Sundowns had six players coming from Bafana Bafana-—quality players like Ribeiro, Allende, and Shalulile. We just thought it's a one-off game, anything can happen. We went out there to create history," he said.

Magesi's strategy involved a low-block defensive setup, frustrating Sundowns' attack and capitalizing on counterattacking opportunities.
"We knew we were the underdogs, no one expected us to win, to be quite frank. But credit must go to the boys. The coach has been drilling us - sometimes it felt like too much - but these are the results you see today," Chipezeze added.

Personal Glory Takes a Back Seat

While his stellar performances brought him individual accolades, including the lucrative prize money, Chipezeze reiterated that his primary focus was the happiness of Magesi's loyal supporters.
"Personal accolades might come, but I have to make sure that the fans are happy all the time," he said with humility.

Historic Triumph

The victory marked a significant milestone for Magesi FC, a club that many considered minnows compared to Sundowns. Chipezeze's heroics between the posts were pivotal in securing the trophy, making him a standout figure in South African football this season.

For Chipezeze, this triumph is not just a personal achievement but a testament to teamwork, hard work, and the unwavering support of fans who believed in the underdog story.