Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine admits he’s had to step up this season with a new role of responsibility.
Chaine, 27, joined Pirates in September 2022 with little expectations from supporters, seemingly as a backup option for the likes of Richard Ofori and Siyabonga Mpontshane.
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However, he quickly managed to establish himself as the number one goalkeeper, even after returning from injury when Melusi Buthelezi joined the club the following season and had an extended run in the first eleven.
With both senior keepers no longer part of the squad, he’s now the oldest, most experienced player in the goalkeeping department, with Buthelezi a year younger while Siyabonga Dladla and Ethan Visagie are 23 and 22 respectively.
“I think with roles it’s just in general in life, the higher the role the more responsibility you get, and the more you can stretch yourself and become better,” Chaine said ahead of the MTN8 final on Saturday.
“I think with me being in the position I am today; I still help myself. But the most important thing is to help other people become the best they can, in this moment, it’s been a very important role for me and a very important space for me to be in.
“To be able to recognise that the game is just not about me, or the team as priority and whoever is on the pitch we try to help the best we can, for them to also be the best they can be, it’s the most important thing.”
Chaine has racked up 60 appearances for the Buccaneers, conceding 40 goals, with 25 clean sheets along with two MTN8 titles and two Nedbank Cup crowns.
