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.
