Magesi FC coach John Maduka has explained the notable absence of club captain Elvis Chipezeze during their first league match of the season on Saturday.
The club started their 2025/26 Betway Premiership campaign with a 0-0 draw in the Limpopo Derby against Polokwane City FC at the old Peter Mokaba Stadium.
Despite missing their reliable number one goalkeeper, Magesi managed to keep a first clean sheet of the season.
Mbali Tshabalala was the preferred keeper for the day. Maduka has since explained why the Zimbabwean international, who was nominated for the 2024/25 Goalkeeper of the Season award, missed the match.
WHY ELVIS CHIPEZEZE WAS MISSING IN ACTION ON THE FIRST LEAGUE MATCH
“It’s more of paperwork which they are busy with. Remember, he is from Zimbabwe, so there is a work permit that is involved,” said Maduka.
“But the management is busy with that and we hope that it will be sorted quicker.”
“But we are happy that [Mbali] Tshabalala did well. He played with confidence, and again, it’s not easy, especially when you don’t have anyone else on the bench who is going to go in.
But he managed to maintain his confidence, and he made good saves, which we are happy with.”
MAGESI FC MIGHT STILL MAKE A FEW SIGNINGS TO REMAIN COMPETITIVE THIS SEASON
Maduka also admits that for them to compete this season, they will need to reinforce the squad they have currently.
“The confidence is there while we are still looking to reinforce the team. I think it’s very important for us to reinforce the team,” he said.
“You need to have a balanced team. You need to have a squad that, whoever comes, you must be able to put another team that can compete.
“So we need to reinforce there and there to make sure that we’re happy going forward. So that we don’t find ourselves with players getting tired and with so many things like injuries, suspension and also loss of form.”
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