Magesi FC goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze has carried on with his unprecedented sweep of Carling Knockout Man of the Match awards after claiming a sixth-straight gong on Tuesday.
The Zimbabwe international custodian was firm in goal, although Dikwena tsa Meetsi went on to bow out of the beer cup by losing 2-1 to Orlando Pirates in a quarter-final match at Orlando Stadium. It was an evening he frustrated the Buccaneers, especially in the first half, as the Carling Knockout defending champions threatened to upset Pirates again, just like last season.
By the 33rd minute against Pirates, Chipezeze had already made six saves and his ball distribution was at 88 percent. Astonishingly, the former Baroka FC custodian has been named as the best player in all six Carling Knockout matches he has played, dating back to last season.
CHIPEZEZE THE CARLING KNOCKOUT MONEYMAN
The six Man of the Match recognitions he has claimed translate to the 35-year-old raking R600,000 from the award voted for by fans.
“Firstly, I just want to say thank you to the fans. They came in their numbers and like I always say, we serve them because the more they are here to push us, the better for football,” said Chipezeze said on SuperSport TV.
“You could see what was happening on the field of play. Coming to the game, we knew it was going to be difficult because they were coming from a setback in the Champions League.
“We tried to hold them up in the first half, but it was not meant to be. But that’s football, congratulations to them. Credit must also go to the boys, we executed the game plan very well.
“They [Pirates] had a moment of brilliance in their first goal and from there it was going to be a big task, but congratulations to them and hard luck to us. We just shift focus to the league and that’s the most important.”
FANS GATHER IN CHIPEZEZE’S CORNER EVEN AFTER PIRATES WON
The reigning Carling Knockout Player of the Tournament has proven his mettle in the beer cup, turning himself into a darling of fans.
“Like I said earlier, I’m just happy. We are here to put smiles on their faces, that’s the most important thing. We are here to serve them and once we perform like this, credit must also go to them,” said Chipezeze.
“They are here week in, week out. Today it was chilly, it’s raining, but they are here supporting the boys and that’s the only thing that makes me proud and I’m grateful for what they have done to me in this competition.”
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