Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has weighed in on Sipho Chaine’s Bafana Bafana omission with the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, sending a message to Hugo Broos.
Chaine is continuing to be a key figure for the Soweto giants as they are chasing Mamelodi Sundowns in the eye-catching Betway Premiership title race.
The highly-rated goalkeeper was between the sticks when Pirates defeated Stellenbosch FC 2-0 at Athlone Stadium on Tuesday night. The Sea Robbers collected maximum points with goals from Evidence Makgopa and Patrick Maswanganyi in the first-half.
After walking away with three crucial points, Pirates cut the gap in the title race to only two points with three matches left before the end of the season. The Soweto giants are sitting second on the league table with 62 points, while Mamelodi Sundowns are occupying the top spot with 64 points.
In Pirates’ victory over Stellies, Sipho Chaine emerged as a top performer, forming an integral part of the last line of defence. The former Chippa United shot stopper kept his 18th clean sheet of the season, equaling the PSL record that is held by Mamelodi Sundowns goal minder Ronwen Williams.
SIPHO CHAINE BREAKS MOENEEB JOSEPHS RECORD
Moreover, Chaine surpassed Moeneeb Josephs’ Bucs record of 17 clean sheets, a feat he achieved in the 2009/10 season when the Sea Robbers won the league title.
After the record-breaking night for Chaine, Ouaddou said he hopes that Broos will recognise the efforts of the reigning Goalkeeper of the Season.
The 29-year-old was a surprise omission from the Bafana squad in the previous FIFA international break when 2023 AFCON bronze medalists faced Panama in back-to-back friendlies.
“Chaine is an important player for us, and I’m happy for him that he broke the [club] record; we still have some games [left],” Ouaddou said after the match against Stellenbosch.
“I hope that, definitely, Hugo Broos, coach of the national team, will see his performance, and I really hope he will be part of the national team in the USA. He deserves it, and he’s working hard for that. Makgopa also did well today [Tuesday], so I’m happy for him.”
RELATED STORY: Steve Komphela on his conversation with Chaine: What was said