Chipezeze Under Fire After DR Congo Defeat
Story By Antony Chawagarira
Zimbabwe’s 2-1 loss to the Democratic Republic of Congo at the National Sports Stadium has revived the goalkeeping debate. Former Warriors goalkeeper Japhet “Short Cat” Muparutsa wants a more structured system for developing goalkeepers.
That result followed a 3-2 comeback win over Sierra Leone in Morocco. The win opened Zimbabwe’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. Elvis Chipezeze started both matches. Against Sierra Leone, the Warriors conceded twice in the first half before fighting back to win.
Veteran journalist and former football commentator Ezra Sibanda criticised Chipezeze’s display against DR Congo. He argued that the goalkeeper’s positioning, handling and decision-making contributed significantly to the defeat.
Sibanda said Chipezeze looked unsettled between the posts. He questioned whether Zimbabwe should consider other options for the number one jersey. Sibanda also wants coach Ramón Catalá to pick his squad without outside interference.
Chipezeze’s past international outings inform those concerns. He conceded four goals in the Warriors’ 4-0 defeat to DR Congo at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. He came into the starting lineup that day after an injury ruled out George Chigova.
Muparutsa believes the solution goes beyond changing goalkeepers from match to match.
“The Zimbabwe Football Association needs a dedicated and properly qualified goalkeeping coach for the national team,” Muparutsa said.
He says this coach should monitor domestic league goalkeepers all season. The coach would assess their performance, development, consistency and suitability for international football.
“When the national team is selected, the goalkeeping coach should work closely with the head coach and provide professional recommendations about which goalkeepers should be chosen for the squad,” he said.
Muparutsa said this approach would identify national team goalkeepers through regular observation and performance, not reputation or limited exposure.
The former Warriors goalkeeper has extensive experience in Zimbabwean football. He was one of the country’s prominent goalkeepers during the 1980s and mentored other goalkeepers during his playing career.
Warriors supporters have echoed the call for a more systematic approach. Two fans interviewed after the DR Congo match said the national team needs stronger competition for the number one position. They also want a more consistent process for identifying goalkeeping talent.
Both said selection should rely on current form and sustained club performances. The technical team, they added, needs enough room to assess the available players.
Chipezeze started in goal against DR Congo, with Martin Mapisa among the substitutes.
The debate now goes beyond individual performances. It raises questions about how Zimbabwe identifies, develops and prepares its goalkeepers for international competition.
Reporting based on original coverage by NewZiana.
