Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has reacted to the record-breaking display from goalkeeper Sipho Chaine after the shot-stopper registered his name in the PSL history books on Saturday night.
Chaine reached a historic milestone during the Buccaneers’ 3-0 victory over Magesi FC in a Betway Premiership game at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
The Bafana Bafana international recorded his 19th clean sheet of the league campaign, officially surpassing the previous record of 18 held by Mamelodi Sundowns shot-stopper Ronwen Williams.
The former Chippa United man has been in good form for the Sea Robbers as they chase the league title this season, achieving the feat in just 28 league appearances.
His overall statistics for the 2025/26 season are quite fascinating, boasting 26 clean sheets and conceding only 15 goals in 40 matches across all competitions.
‘HE’S ONE OF THE BEST IN AFRICA’: ABDESLAM OUADDOU ON CHAINE
Speaking to the media after the match in Polokwane, Ouaddou did not hold back in his assessment of Chaine’s quality, ranking him among the elite on the African continent.
“I’m very proud of him. Sipho is one of the best goalkeepers in Africa, not only in the country,” said Ouaddou.
“With Williams and the goalkeeper of Kaizer Chiefs, Brandon Petersen, they are great goalkeepers. For us, he [Sipho Chaine] has helped our team a lot. You can see he has a lot of experience. He talks to his teammates.”
SIPHO CHAINE, THE CAPTAIN WITHOUT AN ARMBAND
Beyond the reflex saves and the record-breaking numbers, Ouaddou highlighted Chaine’s leadership as a pivotal factor in Pirates’ defensive discipline this term.
“I think he’s one of our captains on the pitch. It’s very important for a coach to have somebody you can rely on in defence,” the coach added.
While Chaine’s individual brilliance has impressed, the Pirates mentor was quick to acknowledge the collective effort required to maintain such a high level of defensive solidity.
“I give him credit, but I also give credit to the whole team because the entire team is working together to keep these clean sheets,” Ouaddou concluded.
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