On Saturday night, Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine put on arguably the most important performance of his career in the MTN8 final at Moses Mabhida Stadium. Chaine made a crucial save in the first half, denying Mamelodi Sundowns captain Themba Zwane what looked a sure goal.
This save gave him the confidence he needed to go on and make three stops in the penalty shootout from the boots of Bongani Zungu, Junior Mendieta and Teboho Mokoena. “The save in the first half was really a confidence booster,” Chaine said after the game.
“For every goalkeeper, it’s important to keep the team in the game when it’s really tough. I am glad I could save the team and to get the confidence even in the penalty shootout.” Chaine’s performance will further cement his place as the number one goalkeeper of Pirates, with second choice Richard Ofori determined to fight his way back into the team.
Before the penalty shootout in the CAF Champions League qualifying rounds against Jwaneng Galaxy almost a fortnight ago, Chaine was taken off for Ofori, but Pirates went on to lose.
This time, in the MTN8, Pirates coach Jose Riveiro kept Chaine on the pitch and the goalkeeper got the job done with three fantastic saves in the shootout.
“I am here to work for Orlando Pirates. I am here to help the club in any shape or form, be it penalties or whatever. For me, it was a confidence booster today.”
The importance of Chaine’s performance is further highlighted by the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, with the goalkeeper’s performance giving him a chance of making the national team.
For now, however, Chaine will be celebrating the victory with his Orlando Pirates teammates, having made a crucial contribution to the team’s success.
