Fresh off rewriting PSL history and lifting the league title, Orlando Pirates shot-stopper Sipho Chaine has opened up about his ultimate ambition to board the plane for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Chaine capped off a historic weekend by claiming his very first Betway Premiership Player of the Month award for May 2026.
The Premier Soccer League [PSL] confirmed the final monthly accolades of the 2025/26 season on Monday. Chaine was in impenetrable form throughout May, keeping a flawless four clean sheets in four matches to help the Soweto giants break a 14-year league title drought.
Speaking to journalists after the Buccaneers were crowned champions in Mbombela, the 29-year-old opened up about his dream to represent South Africa at the upcoming global showpiece, admitting that he can only focus on his own performances rather than selection anxieties.
CHAINE REWRITES PSL HISTORY
Chaine’s immaculate form in May did more than just secure individual honors—it rewrote South African football folklore. By navigating the final stretch without conceding a single goal, the Pirates number one shattered the all-time PSL record for the most clean sheets in a single league season, finishing the campaign with a staggering 21 shutouts.
His commanding presence between the posts and calm leadership transformed the Buccaneers’ backline into an unbreakable fortress when it mattered most. Yet, despite establishing himself as arguably the most consistent goalkeeper in the country this season, his ticket to North America remains far from guaranteed.
THE BAFANA BAFANA CONUNDRUM
Despite his historic domestic exploits, Chaine’s international breakthrough under Hugo Broos has been a complex journey. The modern-day record-breaker was surprisingly omitted from the Bafana Bafana squad for two international friendlies against Panama back in March, with Broos opting to hand a call-up to Sekhukhune United’s Renaldo Leaner instead.
However, the international door remains open. Chaine’s relentless consistency has forced his way back into the national team conversation, earning him a spot in the latest preliminary squad.
The Buccaneers’ star faces stiff competition for a place on the plane. He finds himself battling it out against newly crowned CAF Champions League winner Ronwen Williams of Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs’ Brandon Peterson, and Siwelele FC’s Ricardo Goss for a final spot in Broos’ definitive World Cup roster.
Broos is expected to announce his final squad on Wednesday, 27 May, before the team jets off to their tournament base in Mexico.
‘I CAN ONLY CONTROL WHAT I CAN’
When pressed on his chances of making the final cut, the grounded shot-stopper insisted he is leaving the final decision in higher hands.
“Yes, it’s every player’s dream to represent their country at the World Cup,” Chaine said. “The most important thing is to control what I can. It’s playing every day here at Orlando Pirates like it’s my last game. What I can control is the amount of saves that I can get, the amount of crosses I can collect, and the communication with everyone around me. That has gone well, and the rest you leave it to God. The rest you leave it in the Lord’s hands.:
RELATED STORY: Jackson Mabokgwane backs Sipho Chaine after Bafana omission