Sipho Chaine: ‘This is the first time I find myself in this position’

Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine has reflected on how he rose to become the team’s first choice after playing second fiddle at previous clubs.

The 28-year-old continues to rise in stock at the Soweto giants, crucially as they take aim at the Betway Premiership title.

Simply put, Chaine has been Pirates’ safest hands this season having played 26 matches across all competitions.

Plausibly, he has managed to keep 15 clean sheets for the Jose Riveiro coached side. In the Betway Premiership he has only conceded five times from 11 matches.

And what mesmerises him is how he turned a corner from playing second fiddle at Bloemfontein Celtic and Chippa United.

Chaine’s rise came after starting down the pecking order upon arriving from Chippa United in September 2022.

Since then, he has not looked back after getting the Pirates’ number one jersey when Richard Ofori fell from grace at the club.

SIPHO CHAINE REFLECTS ON HIS RISE AT PIRATES

Speaking to journalists ahead of the Soweto derby on Saturday, Chaine admitted he is excited by getting regular game time.

“This has been how I approach life. There is a lot of times that I haven’t played in my career. This is the first time I find myself in this position. To play regularly for a very long period of time.

“For myself, I have always tried to strive to be the best player I can be and be better everyday. For me, its about coming to training everyday and improving every aspect of my goalkeeping and every aspect of my career.

“Its not an easy thing because everything is out there and football is a game where you have good games and not so good games. Its something that is personal to me so that I improve myself.

“For us, we know what it takes to be a good footballer and the tools are there. Examples are there across the world, of how to stay consistent,” he said.

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