Chipezeze Embraces Underdog Status Against Sundowns
Magesi veteran goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze has fully embraced the underdog status as his team prepares to face Mamelodi Sundowns in the Carling Knockout final at Toyota Stadium on Saturday.
The journey to the final has been nothing short of extraordinary as knocked out football heavyweights Orlando Pirates along the way.
Chipezeze, a pivotal figure in Magesi’s campaign, has embraced the underdog label and drawn on his past experiences to motivate his team.
Chipezeze, who was part of Baroka FC’s fairytale Telkom Knockout triumph in 2018, sees striking similarities between that iconic victory and this upcoming final.
“We are underdogs, and we are just enjoying the moment,” Chipezeze said confidently.
“We are just going to see how it goes on Saturday. We enjoy it – being underdogs is a nice feeling. Going there, we know that pressure is there in football. We know that as underdogs, we want to make sure that we put in a mark in whatever we do.”
As Chipezeze knows what it takes to defy the odds, his Baroka side faced Pirates, a team desperate for silverware, final six years ago.
Despite being predicted to lose, Baroka stunned Pirates, winning in a dramatic penalty shootout. Chipezeze played a starring role, saving one penalty along with Thembinkosi Lorch’s miss.
Drawing parallels between that experience and the challenge against Sundowns, Chipezeze reflected on the quality of opposition then and now.
“It’s more like the same because in that final we had the likes of Dickens (Jemondre), we had the likes of Mdantsane(Mduduzi), we had the likes of Goodman Mosele, a couple of senior guys here and there,” he reminisced.
“Back then, 2018, Pirates was a powerhouse; they were also desperate for a cup. We knew that, and we knew that it was not going to be easy because they also possessed the quality that Sundowns have now. Looking at that front three of (Lucas) Ribeiro, Peter Shalulile, Iqraam Rayners, then looking back in 2018, they (Pirates) had Lorch, Vincent Pule, Justin Shonga, Augustine Mulenga,” he added.
Magesi’s fearless approach has earned them respect, but their ultimate test lies ahead against a Sundowns team laden with firepower and a reputation for dominance. However, Sundowns are not invincible. Their recent league loss to Polokwane City, courtesy of a late goal, exposed their vulnerability against determined opponents.
For Magesi, Saturday’s final is about more than lifting the trophy—it’s about cementing their place in South African football folklore.
Chipezeze’s calmness under pressure and the team’s collective belief in defying the odds have become their trademarks.
Whether they can replicate Baroka’s 2018 triumph remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Magesi FC will not back down. The underdogs have their sights set on glory, and as Chipezeze knows all too well, football has a way of rewarding those who dare to dream.
Robin-Duke is in Bloemfontein courtesy of Primo Sports
