Chipezeze Misses Magesi FC Opener Due to Work Permit Delay

Chipezeze Misses Magesi FC Opener Due to Work Permit Delay

Magesi FC captain and goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze was absent from the team’s opening match of the season against Polokwane City because his work permit had not yet been finalized.

Head coach John Maduka confirmed that the 33-year-old Zimbabwean shot-stopper could not feature in the fixture due to outstanding paperwork. “It is more of a paperwork which they are busy with,” Maduka told iDiski Times.

Maduka explained that the delay was linked to immigration requirements. “Remember he’s from Zimbabwe, so there is work permit that is involved and all that, but the management are busy with that, and we hope that it’s sorted quicker, sooner,” he said.

With Chipezeze unavailable, Magesi had to rely on stand-in goalkeeper Mbali Tshabalala. The coach praised Tshabalala for his performance under pressure, noting that there was no substitute goalkeeper on the bench.

“We are happy also with Mbali Tshabalala, he did well,” Maduka said. “He did very well; he played with confidence and again, not easy, especially when you don’t have anyone else on the bench that is going to go in.”

Despite the lack of back-up, Tshabalala managed to stay composed throughout the match. “He managed to maintain his confidence,” Maduka added. “And he made good saves also here and there which we are happy with.”

The absence of Chipezeze was a notable setback for Magesi, as the experienced goalkeeper is also the club’s captain and a key leader on the field. However, the coach’s comments suggest optimism that the matter will be resolved soon.

Magesi FC will now look ahead to their next match, hoping the paperwork will be finalized in time for Chipezeze to return to action.