Magesi cup hero Elvis Chipezeze kept his side in the game with several key stops early in Saturday’s Carling Knockout final against Mamelodi Sundowns before they went onto pull off a stunning 2-1 win over the runaway favourites.
It won for him the man of the match award for the fourth successive match – an unpreceded achievement in South African football.
Afterwards the former Zimbabwean international had the following to say:
On how coach Clinton Larsen led them to success in the Carling Knockout
“Through hard work. That's what we can say. He's a hard-working coach, and we just follow his lead. He's got the experience in the game, and it's one of the key things that we learn every day, especially the boys that are coming up.”
On winning the same competition with Baroka in 2018 and which success is sweeter?
“Both of them! They are very important because I remember when I arrived at Baroka we were also trying to push for a silverware. And we managed to do that. Our run also from the first round to the final was something else, very positive. I remember we played Golden Arrows, Sundowns, Wits and Orlando Pirates (to win the trophy). So it's also the same now; we faced with Pirates, then TS Galaxy, Richards Bay and Sundowns. In both finals no one really gave us a chance to be honest. So it's through hard work from the boys. Credit must go to them for working very hard, trying to make club grow.”
On his growth as a player
“I’m learning every day. You know, I made mistakes along the way, it’s part of the job. That's how we go because our position is very sensitive. I tried as much as possible to analyse my game. I'm just grateful to (Magesi owner) Mr. (Solly) Makhubela, for giving me another opportunity as well. I remember when Baroka got relegated, he was the first guy that said, ‘Can you please come and help my team to grow?” So I'm just happy with the steps that I took and the progress that the team has made, and there's no looking back now. We will try to make sure our football club grows.”
On getting back into the Zimbabwe team
“For now, I'm just focused on making the club grow. That's the most important thing now. Personally I would like to also go back into the national team. But the guys that are there, they are doing well. But it's also good that I'm also now in the frame with the performances, also through hard work. At the end of the day it’s the coach's decision. All I can do is continue working hard, because it's pointless for you not to perform and expect to be called for the national team. I'll just keep on putting in the work. You know, they say, if you work hard, the rewards will come. So I will just continue with the consistency. We're going to be playing Afcon only in December next year, so there is still time. I'm just now focused on making sure that I produce good performances, week in, week out ,and the rest will take care of itself.”
On his time-wasting antics
“I knew the question was going to come! It’s not (anymore) like 2018 when I was still not matured enough. But if there is contact, I have to go down! Now I'm changed. You can also see for yourselves.”