Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine has opened up on the late Senzo Meyiwa’s inspiration following his record-breaking season between the sticks at the Soweto giants.
Chaine made PSL history in the just-ended season, becoming the first goalkeeper to register 21 clean sheets in a single league campaign. His record has surpassed the previous league record of 18 clean sheets held by Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana teammate Ronwen Williams.
The 29-year-old has also helped the Buccaneers break a 14-year drought to win the Premiership title. The last squad to win the title before the current generation included the likes of Moeneeb Josephs and the late Meyiwa.
One of the highlights of the season was when Pirates fans sang Meyiwa’s song in the stands. Chaine has described the moment as special and says he is not worthy of being mentioned in the same sentence as Mayiwa or Josephs.
ORLANDO PIRATES GOALKEEPER REFLECTS ON THE IMPACT SENZO MEYIWA HAD ON HIM
“It’s special, sounds nice. It’s a special feeling to be able to represent Pirates; it’s quite remarkable,” said Chaine.
“They always put up a question of where you rank with past goalkeepers. But some things are just priceless. You can’t rank yourself with somebody you look up to.
“You can’t be able to put yourself in a sentence with people who put you to get to where you are. It’s like your mentor. Someone you look up to, no matter how much you can achieve,” he added.
SIPHO CHAINE SAYS HE IS HUMBLED TO BE MENTIONED AMONG LEGENDS
“You will always see yourself as a small little kid from Bloemfontein, looking up to Senzo Meyiwa, to Moeneeb Josephs and for you to be in those types of shoes, it’s something that you can’t describe.
“For me, hearing that [fans singing Senzo Meyiwa songs], it’s quite special. I feel honoured to be where I am, and I am not worthy of being where I am today. But God chose me.”
RELATED STORY: Sipho Chaine makes candid World Cup admission after record-breaking PSL season