Magesi head coach John Maduka has rejected the notion that Elvis Chipezeze’s performances in the Carling Knockout Cup have been any different to his league form and expressed his excitement over the club’s future.
The reigning champions were eliminated by Orlando Pirates on Tuesday evening, but Chipezeze was was again a major factor in the game, as he now picked up six Man of the Match awards in his six games in the competition over the past two seasons.
With that awards, it’s come with R600,000 in prize money and while Maduka lauded his displays, he differs from the opinion that he’s elevated his game in the domestic cup competition.
“It means a lot, he’s the captain of the team who leads by example – so happy and proud of him, he kept us in the game, especially in the first half, in the second, not much to be done,” Maduka said about the Man of the Match.
“But good to have Chipezeze in this team, he’s shown that he’s a leader and so proud to have him in this team.
“To be honest he works very hard, I might disagree with you to say he’s not done well in the league, he has done well for this team.
“In this cup, you know only one team can win, so he’s been really good [to try and help us win] but also in the league, he has been very important.”
Maduka Finds Silver-lining In Pirates Defeat
Despite their exit, a goal from Lehlegonolo Mokone in the last kick of the game, as they lost 2-1 at Orlando Stadium, has given Maduka something to smile about, as a sign of their scoring potential, which will be vital to continue for their ambitions this season, which even to the most optimistic of supporters, will be to retain their top-flight status again.
“It’s a very important one, it’s good to see them play until the very last minute of the game, it’s good to see we could manage to pull one back, yes the time was not with us, and even before they score the second, we had an opportunity,” he said.
“Vandala had one in the box, so I’m happy with the way we have been doing things, especially we have been creating chances, I think we have played three games, and we have managed to score six goals, so there’s something to be happy with and be proud of.
“And going forward, I think it gives confidence to the boys that they can be able to score goals and even against the best – happy with that and looking forward to the future.”
