Maduka full of praise for R200 000 richer Chipezeze after stellar showing

Despite finishing on the losing side, going down 2-1 to Orlando Pirates in Tuesday night’s quarterfinal match at Orlando Stadium, Chipezeze was the main reason for the respectable scoreline in this game.

Maduka says that, as the club's captain, he leads by example.

"He is the captain of the team, and he leads from the front. I'm so happy for him and very proud of him.

"He kept us in the game, and he has shown countless times that he is vital for this team."

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Last season, Chipezeze pocketed R400 000 in prize money from the four matches he played, as he was deservedly voted man of the match in all four games by the Champion fans.

Maduka says the Zimbabwean international goalkeeper doesn’t reserve his performances for this cup competition only.

"He works very hard, and he has done well in the league format for us as well. 

Magesi had won this title last season, beating Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 in the final, but Maduka says it’s not a shame to lose to a Pirates team that was hungry to win and with some quality players in their squad.

Maduka was also encouraged by the fighting spirit of his team. Coming off back-to-back victories before this game, they showed that those two performances were not a fluke. They hit the woodwork twice in this game, and the former Malawian international captain says their scoring rate is also promising at this stage of the season.