Chipezeze tracks Zimbabwe’s progress, demands more

Zimbabwe national team goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze has tracked the progress of the Warriors under coach Marian ‘Mario’ Marinica, saying players are adapting to his ways.

The Magesi FC shot stopper said this after featuring during the Mukuru Four Nations Tournament in Botswana where the Warriors thrashed the Zebras 3-0 on Saturday.

Penalty Save ✅

Clean Sheet ✅

Excellent Outing 💯

Warriors shot-stopper Elvis Chipezese reflects on his fine performance versus Botswana and looks forward to the final against Zambia. #PrideReignited #bayawabaya #Mukuru4Nations pic.twitter.com/9jaRlKacpk

— Zimbabwe Football Association (@online_zifa) March 29, 2026

Chipezeze, who previously deputised Washington Arubi, played his part in the convincing victory after saving a penalty by Eric Ookame late in the game at Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown.

Chipezeze and importance of small steps in football

The South Africa-based custodian described the latest victory as part of important small steps in making Zimbabwe great footballwise again.

“It was an interesting game, and good effort from the boys. We stuck to the game-plan like the coach wanted. We had a couple of days in camp, and we can see now the new guys who just came in, are now trying to gel with the system like the coach wants,” said the 36-year-old.

“We are just looking forward to the next game. It is a process on its own. I was very happy and like I said, it is a process. We are trying to do something special with the group. We must remain focused in the games that are coming.”

Chipezeze comments on his penalty saving heroics

The former Baroka FC keeper downplayed his penalty saving heroics choosing to focus on the team which is fine-tuning for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches.

“It is part of the job. As a goalkeeper, you are there to make saves and stuff like that. Like I said, I am just happy with the progress. Small steps count in this game. Looking back at where we are coming until now, I am just happy with the progress and credit to the boys,” he said.

“We must keep the momentum going, take it one step at a time and double the effort. That is the most important thing because we can’t drop now. We have to win the small steps. We can’t go down now.”

Chipezeze is expected to maintain his spot between the sticks when Zimbabwe face Zambia in the final of the invitational tournament on Tuesday. A third-place playoff will involve the Zebras and the Flames.

Football associations for the four nations hatched the tournament idea to fine-tune for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers taking advantage of the FIFA window for international games.

Mukuru Four Nations Tournament fixtures:

Tuesday 31/03/2026

3rd/4th PLACE PLAY-OFF

Obed Itani Chilume Stadium, Francistown – 1500hrs

FINAL

Obed Itani Chilume Stadium, Francistown – 1800hr