Orlando Pirates’ Jose Riveiro could have a selection headache for the eagerly awaited match against Mamelodi Sundowns on Thursday. One position, in particular, that could give the Spanish tactician a headache is the goalkeeping department, following the changes made since the beginning of this year.
Ever since the decision to drop veteran goalkeeper Siyabonga Mpontshane, following some of the costly mistakes he made in the earlier matches, Sipho Chaine has been given a chance and so far the 26-year-old has made good use of the opportunity. In Pirates’ number one goalkeeper Richard Ofori’s absence due to injury, Chaine has made four appearances consecutively since debuting against Cape Town City earlier this month and has kept one clean sheet.
The former Chippa United shot-stopper has been lauded for his work-rate and contribution in the team’s progress in the last three matches which have all ended in victories for Bucs.
However, with Ofori back in training after recovering from his injury, the coach could have a difficult decision to make with regards to the goalkeeping department as all his keepers are available and appearing to be ready to do the job when required to do so. Ofori had five clean sheets from 10 matches in the Buccaneers’ league campaign before picking up an injury in November.
With the Buccaneers set to face the Brazilians in a crucial match, coach Riveiro will have to decide who will be between the sticks for the match. Will it be the experienced Ofori or the in-form Chaine? The answer will be revealed on match day.
