The Sunday Mail
Langton Nyakwenda
AFTER a long hiatus, football finally returns in South Africa with a Zimbabwean touch, as Warriors keeper Elvis Chipezeze is set to captain Baroka FC in Saturday’s Nedbank Cup semi-final clash against Ronald Pfumbidzai’s Bloemfontein Celtic at the Orlando Stadium.
Sadly, Pfumbidzai can only watch the match on TV as the Warriors left-back remains stuck in Zimbabwe due to the coronavirus travel restrictions.
The match kicks off at 2pm and will be screened live on SuperSport 4 and SABC 1. The Nedbank Cup explodes with a semi-final double-header that also sees Mamelodi Sundowns taking on Bidvest Wits at 7.15pm.
Chipezeze, who was named Baroka FC captain back in January, is looking forward to the semi-final with confidence as his club seeks a slot in next season’s CAF Confederation Cup. Winners of the Nedbank Cup automatically qualify for the continental competition.
“It feels good to play another semi-final in two seasons and I am grateful for the efforts we are putting as a club,” said Chipezeze, who replaced former CAPS United forward Gerald “Papa” Phiri Jr as Baroka FC skipper.
“It’s good to be chosen to lead (the club), it comes with a lot of responsibility. I am so grateful for that,” added the 30-year-old former Chicken Inn star keeper.
Baroka FC coach Dylan Kerr believes a huge opportunity lies ahead for his players.
“This is the semi-final of the biggest cup competition in South African football, and to get to the final, you are guaranteed a place in CAF,” Kerr told South African journalists Thursday.
Celtic coach John Maduka feels his side will be ready for the Nedbank Cup semi-final against Baroka FC. Baroka FC and Celtic have never met in a cup competition before.
Chipezeze’s Baroka FC have beaten Celtic just once in their last eight meetings.
