Newly signed Sekhukhune United goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi has shared some insight on his close working relationship with his former teammate at Orlando Pirates, Sipho Chaine.
Buthelezi and Chaine worked together during his three-season spell at the reigning Betway Premiership champions, forming a formidable bond in the Buccaneers’ goalkeeping department.
During that time, Buthelezi—who had originally joined the Soweto giants from TS Galaxy—served as second choice to the reigning PSL Goalkeeper of the Season. Despite playing a supporting role, he made 22 appearances across all competitions for the Buccaneers, registering an impressive 12 clean sheets along the way.
The 28-year-old shot-stopper has since moved on to start a fresh chapter in his career, recently putting pen to paper with Sekhukhune United. He hit the ground running with Babina Noko, featuring in the pre-season Mafori Cup before keeping a clean sheet in Sekhukhune’s 2026/27 Betway Premiership opener—a 1-0 win over Durban City at Seshego Stadium on Saturday.
MELUSI BUTHELEZI TALKS ON HIS BROTHERHOOD WITH SIPHO CHAINE
Reflecting on his time alongside Chaine, Buthelezi highlighted that their rivalry on the pitch never compromised their deep bond away from football.
“We were brothers and very close,” Buthelezi told journalists in Polokwane when discussing his relationship with Chaine.
“Obviously, when it came to work, we had to work. But we had a good relationship; we were brothers. I don’t want to lie because sometimes we would call each other off the field. We used to check up on each other sometimes,” he added.
WHAT THE NEW SEKHUKHUNE UNITED GOALKEEPER AIMS TO ACHIEVE WITH THE CLUB
With his Pirates chapter now closed, the former Galaxy netminder has turned his full focus toward his new challenge with Babina Noko. The 28-year-old has expressed his strong desire to help Sekhukhune United lift their first piece of major silverware.
“I want to compete, and I want to win as much as I can and also contribute to the club. So I would love it if whatever the club achieved, I would have contributed as well,” Buthelezi explained.
“That one [being a regular], I don’t want to say a lot, but it will be the decision of the coaches on how hard I work. I didn’t come here because I thought I was guaranteed a place, or maybe I will be the third or fourth choice. I think all will be determined by the hard work I do.
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