Zimbabwean goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze has revealed why winning the PSL Golden Glove Award is not top of his priorities, as he faces a herculean task at Magesi FC. The Magesi captain currently leads the Betway Premiership charts on 11 clean sheets and is the only goalkeeper to hit double figures so far.
Bafana Bafana goalkeepers Sipho Chaine and Ronwen Williams, who won the award last season, have nine and eight clean sheets, respectively. Stanley Nwabali of Chippa United and Cape Town City‘s Darren Keet also have eight clean sheets.
WHAT ELVIS CHIPEZEZE SAID ABOUT GOLDEN GLOVE AWARD
However, the 35-year-old is not reading much into accounting for an individual accolade when his team is in a precarious position. In an interview with FARPost, Chipezeze said preserving Magesi FC’s topflight league status is more important than an individual award.
“For now, we are focused on one game at a time. We need to make sure that the team stays in the division. I will also try to bring across the message to the team that it’s not about an individual but the team we represent.
“The more we stay in this division, the better; everyone can take care of their families and their future careers. And we need to make sure the supporters are happy.
“For now, we are focused on collecting maximum points, and the rest that will come for individuals will be a bonus.
“PSL is difficult. I have been here before. It takes a lot to be in the top eight. For us newcomers, to be there would be a blessing. And it will be a stepping stone to the direction that we want to take, but for now, we want to save the team,” Chipezeze said.
CHIPEZEZE GIVES CREDIT TO TEAMMATES
The talented goalie insists that credit should be given to every player for their endurance. Magesi had a rocky start to life in the Betway Premiership, first under Clinton Larsen.
But they have revived themselves under Owen da Gama, who won the March Coach of the Year Award. Chipezeze also won the Player of the Month Award.
Chipezeze added: “Like they say, you mature like fine wine. I am just taking it one game at a time. Credit must go to the boys because they are working hard to keep us in the league.
“There’s nothing much that I can say, the work ethic is there as it is evident. I feel like the boys deserve more credit, despite me being the leader of the group.”
As it stands, Magesi are 11th on the Betway Premiership table with 26 points after 24 matches. They are three points ahead of SuperSport United who occupy the relegation play-offs spot, with six games left to play.
Article by Sino Tompela
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