Zimbabwean goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze has reacted to Magesi FC’s relegation to the Motsepe Foundation Championship, saying ‘there is no worse feeling than fighting till the end and falling short.’
Magesi FC were relegated to the Motsepe Foundation Championship following a 1-1 draw with Milford FC in their final PSL Promotional/Relegation play-off match at Seshego Stadium on Saturday.
The result ended the Limpopo side’s two-year stay in the top-flight and handed Milford FC a historic first promotion to the Betway Premiership.
Chipezeze, who captained Magesi and played the whole match, was visibly heartbroken at full-time. The Zimbabwean international was later comforted by his children on the pitch in a raw, emotional scene.
Dikwena Tša Meetse took the lead in the 14th minute through Zimbabwean Edmore Chirambadare, raising hopes of survival. But Milford FC levelled matters through Menzi Chili in the 59th minute. Magesi needed a winning goal to stay up, but could not find it after a series of efforts.
‘I HAVE SUFFERED THE FEELING OF FAILURE’ SAYS CHIPEZEZE
The draw meant Milford topped the play-off mini-log, securing top-flight status for the first time in the KwaZulu-Natal club’s history.
For Magesi, the 2024 Carling Knockout Cup champions, it was a painful end to a season defined by resilience and optimism. The Magesi FC captain poured out his feelings on Facebook, saying his heart is broken after falling short when it mattered the most.
“I have suffered the feeling of failure. It is awful, my heart is broken, and there is no worse feeling than fighting till the end and falling short; it is not a good feeling. Now it’s time to reflect and come back stronger. Thank you for the love and support, see you soon,” Chipezeze said.
Magesi FC avoided automatic relegation on the final day of the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season, beating Richards Bay FC 1-0 to finish 15th and qualify for the play-offs.
But Saturday’s result confirmed their demotion to the unfashionable league, leaving Chipezeze and his teammates to reflect on a campaign that promised survival but ended in heartbreak.
RELATED STORY: Update on Elvis Chipezeze after injury scare