When Sipho Chaine was introduced to the Orlando Pirates starting line-up, he seemed a temporary stopgap until Richard Ofori returned from injury, and a reprieve from Siyabonga Mpontshane, whose below-par performances were beginning to irritate a certain section of the club's supporters. However, the 26-year-old has hung on to the number one jersey like his life depends on it. Not that there have not been mistakes made here and there, but what's the life of a goalkeeper without the odd blooper? For any team, the goalkeeping position is a very important one, not least because it is the last line of defence and the first line of attack. More so these days where net minders are actually seen as part of the in-field players and have to stay switched on the entire 90 minutes rather than only when the action swings to their team's half. For quite a while since the passing of Senzo Meyiwa, Bucs have gone into the market to find a solution for a position that's proven to be a headache for the different coaches over the last nine years. From Jackson Mabokgwane to Jorris Delle, Wayne Sandilands to Richard Ofori, and a couple of others, no one has really grabbed the bull by the horns between the Pirates sticks. Is Chaine (pronounced Chain) that man? Soccer Laduma's Tshepang Mailwane finds out in this feature.
That Should Motivate Him
When Brighton Mhlongo was thrust into the limelight following Senzo Meyiwa's passing, he did not have time to catch his breath. The pressure on his shoulders was heavier than that which most goalkeepers pre- and post- his departure have had to deal with, so he would know better than most how Sipho Chaine should navigate the waters as Orlando Pirates' net minder. We spoke to the now retired star about what he has made of the former Chippa United man's performances and whether he thinks he's in the number one spot for the long haul.
Long-term solution?
"Yes, he can be. One thing I love about him is his composure and the bravery that he has. I have been following him and he is technically gifted since his days at Bloemfontein Celtic. I think he gives them (Orlando Pirates) a different dynamic, because with his calmness, that's when he keeps the team level-headed. There is no rush of blood, where everyone is at sixes and sevens. I love the relationship that he has with the guys at the back as well. There is that form of trust and belief. I am definitely impressed with him, and he is someone who can be there for the future and for Bafana Bafana as well. I am happy for him now because he has an opportunity to win silverware as part of the playing member of the squad, which is huge for him to stake his claim. For me, I think he has already done that. He does not have any point to prove because he has done tremendously well."
Pressure From Supporters?
"It's always difficult when you come in because there will always be some form of comparison, especially when things are going well. It's something that you cannot run away from, but the important thing for him is to always focus on the job at hand. He is very fortunate to have a goalkeeper coach like Tyrone Damons because he is experienced. He knows how to be a good friend and he knows how to be a mentor and he knows how to be a father as well, apart from being a coach. I've worked with him before and he understands the noise out there and he knows how to keep you level-headed, and he will tell him to write his own history and not worry about trying to be like anyone from the past. If you focus on yourself, you won't be able to take any little criticism you get. It can break you. But when you put the team first, all those things don't mean much because you focus on doing well for the team."
Ofori And Mpontshane Competition
"Being selected does show that you are the best and that you deserve to be there. Whoever plays, you support and clap for them while you wait for your turn. When your turn comes, you expect the same in return, but at the same time don't forget that they also expect the same performances. I think he has played in two Soweto derbies, and it does not come bigger than that. That should motivate him to say, 'I am going to run with this.' He should think about the national team. Afcon is coming, so that's what he should be thinking about. But he should keep his focus at Pirates and make sure that he helps the team to get silverware and that they finish in a respectable position, and then he can take it from there. Competition will always be there in the team, but it's just about staking your claim in the team and reminding people that you are here to compete and that you are not a passenger. He has to seize the moment."
Support From Teammates
"The support he is getting is massive and it's showing. I've seen how guys like Miguel Timm, Deon Hotto and others have been motivating him. But Sipho is experienced enough because he has been in the PSL for quite some time, it's not something that is new for him. However, it's a different ball game playing for a team like Pirates. I just think the guys are doing well to give him the right support and they are giving him the space to grow because you don't want to bombard him with a whole lot of information and motivation. Once you start doing that, it becomes too much. So, the little he is getting from the gents is doing wonders. When your teammates have confidence in you, it takes you to another level. There is nothing greater than having that sense of belonging and belief from the people around you… when they show that confidence in you. Those are things that I feel play a huge role and it's important to have that because it keeps you going. We as former players do keep in touch now and again and share just a bit and motivate where we can."
What's The Verdict From Others?
When Senzo came in, he made some mistakes
Lebohang Mokoena – Former Pirates midfielder
"I think Chaine has done well since he has come in goals. The way the team has proceeded in winning matches, with him in goal, is a clear indication that he is a young prospect and he is someone who has learnt a lot. His game has improved and you can see that he is starting to be a sweeper keeper like the modern goalkeepers who are able to start the build-up from the back, like what (Mamelodi) Sundowns has done with Ronwen Williams. I think he can be the long-term solution for them, but they also need a back-up goalkeeper in case of injury. But so far, so good. He has done well in the Pirates goal. He is young and energetic and that's what Pirates needed. Also, it's on the basis of the defence that he has, I think if Pirates change a lot in terms of their back four going into the new season, then it might be a challenge for him. But with the games that the boy has played, he has done well. He reminds me of when they brought in Senzo Meyiwa – he came in under the leadership of guys like (Williams) Okpara, and Moeneeb Josephs also came through, and he learnt from Francis Chansa as well. I think Pirates should look for an international goalkeeper because in South Africa we don't really produce a lot of goalkeepers, which is a big issue in the country. He needs somebody to be there as a guide for him. He is young and he will obviously still make a couple of mistakes, but he has done well. Remember when Senzo came in, he made some mistakes, but you could see the potential he had. You can see that there is potential to grow in Chaine. If Pirates don't change much from this team that has done well this season, I think they can challenge Sundowns next season."
He Has Improved A Lot
Patrick Tignyemb – Former Bloemfontein Celtic goalkeeper
"I played with Sipho and I've known him for a long time. I knew him as a young boy when he was a teenager. He has improved a lot and I am not surprised to see that he is playing regularly and doing well. I always used to tell him that he should be focused and wait for his time. One of the most important things I always used to tell him is to be humble and I am sure he is following my advice. He can definitely be number one for a long time. You can't play 19 games in a row (in all competitions) just like that, you need a special gift to get there. He is still young in goalkeeper terms, so if he can play 19 games in a row for Pirates, that means he is doing something right. He must just keep doing what he is doing and he can be number one for a long time. Soon, we can even see him in Bafana Bafana."
A Word From The Supporters
We Protect Him
Phillip Jwarha – Pirates supporter
"You know, as Pirates supporters, we sit behind the posts and we always make sure that we protect him. We sing and he knows that he has all the support behind him and that's a big encouragement. Whenever the game is over, the players clap their hands to our side, which shows that they appreciate the support. As a young goalkeeper, it's great for him and we are always happy to see players coming through. The way he performs shows us the potential that he has and that he is determined to hold onto that spot because it's not easy to remove people like (Richard) Ofori and (Siyabonga) Mpontshane as a new goalkeeper. I am happy with how he has performed for the team and we as Pirates supporters know that he is young and we see the big difference he has made. He is on the right track to be a long-term goalkeeper and we wish him all the best for his career."
Chaine Is My Number One
Lady D – Pirates supporter
"To me, Chaine is a good goalkeeper, mistakes are part of games. I see him as a long-term investment. I was happy when he was announced as a Pirates player. Senzo Meyiwa started like this, remember the game against Thanda Royal Zulu, that mistake he made leading to a goal? But he grew from strength to strength. The arrival of 'Slim Kat', Moeneeb Josephs, made him a better goalkeeper knowing he was competing with another good goalkeeper. Chaine is my number one and I think Kopano Thuntsane should be used for the next game to assist him to grow for the future."
