Former Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Innocent Mayoyo has named a potential contender for the Bafana Bafana number one jersey ahead of the 2023 AFCON finals.
Ronwen Williams is Bafana’s number one, with little competition from Veli Mothwa and Ricardo Goss.
Mayoyo, however, believes it is time for Orlando Pirates’ goalkeeper Sipho Chaine to battle Williams for Bafana’s number-one gloves.
This comes after the 26-year-old displayed a five-star performance as the Soweto giants lifted the MTN8 Cup. They beat their rivals, Mamelodi Sundowns, 3-1 on penalties.
Chaine saved three of Sundowns’ spot kicks to hand the Bucs victory. Mayoyo believes the Buccaneers’ shot-stopper has the talent and the ability to follow in the footsteps of the late Bucs shoot-stopper Senzo Meyiwa.
‘Nzori’, fought for the number one spot with Itumeleng Khune in the national team and eventually took over from him until his death in 2014. Mayoyo is optimistic that Chaine could be on the plane to the AFCON in Ivory Coast next year if he is consistent.
Bafana coach Hugo Broos has included the former Bloemfontein Celtic and Chippa United keeper in his preliminary squad for the last two camps. However, he didn’t make the final squad, suggesting he is knocking on the Bafana door.
CHAINE TIPPED TO CHALLENGE FOR BAFANA’S NUMBER-ONE SPOT
“Chaine is a typical South African goalkeeper. He has a bright future at Pirates and the national team if he continues to work hard,” said Mayoyo, well-known as Ayoba to Pirates fans during his playing days.
“He’s an original type of goalkeeper who does not take anyone’s style of play. Chaine reminds me of the times when we had me, Brian Baloyi, William Okpara and many goalkeepers.
“Everyone then had his style… This boy [Chaine] is good with distribution and [is very] technical and reads the game well. I don’t think he was a hero by only saving penalties, but in four MTN8 matches, he produced good performances.
“I think it is time for him to fight to be the number one goalie in Bafana. No one is challenging Williams. He [Chaine] now must stay humble and keep his foot on the ground.”
Mayoyo also appealed to Pirates coach Jose Riveiro to use Chaine as his number goalie if he wants to continue winning more trophies this season.
Article by Tshifhiwa Luvhengo
RELATED STORY: Steve Komphela on his conversation with Chaine: What was said
