Orlando Pirates’ MTN8 hero Sipho Chaine has played down comparisons to
slain Buccaneers shot stopper Senzo Meyiwa following his impressive
performance in Saturday’s final against Mamelodi Sundowns.
The 26-year-old goalkeeper, who was signed by Pirates on transfer deadline
day in September last year, proved to be the difference in the game as he
made a number of impressive saves, first in regulation time and then in
the penalty shootout that ensued.
In the shoot-out, Chaine denied Bongani Zungu, Junior Mendieta and Teboho
Mokoena as Pirates sealed a 3-1 win to retain their MTN8 title.
Naturally, his displays between the sticks for Pirates have drawn
comparisons between himself and the late Meyiwa, who at the time of his
tragic passing in 2014, had the hopes of the club on his shoulders.
However, Chaine has played down the comparisons between himself and the
late ‘Nzori’.
“I really don’t know how to answer this question,” he said after the
match. “Anyone can compare but for me I just focus on being myself and
trying to work as hard as I can to improve and get better.”
Sipho Chaine’s performance in the MTN8 final was nothing short of heroic,
and despite comparisons to Senzo Meyiwa, the 26-year-old is determined to
make his own mark on the game.
