Sipho Chaine ‘must’ retain Goalkeeper of the Season award – ex-Orlando Pirates stopper Mhlongo

Former Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Brighton Mhlongo says Sipho Chaine should be named Betway Premiership Goalkeeper of the Season for a second year running, arguing the Buccaneers No 1 has “surpassed” club legend Moneeb Josephs and underpinned a historic treble-winning campaign.

The Premier Soccer League’s 2025-26 awards ceremony has been delayed because of the ongoing FIFA World Cup – in which South Africa’s Bafana Bafana have also been involved – but debate over the top individual honours is already in full swing.

Chaine is shortlisted for the Goalkeeper of the Season prize alongside Mamelodi Sundowns’ Ricardo Goss and Kaizer Chiefs’ Brandon Petersen.

‘Look at the numbers’ – Mhlongo backs Chaine

Mhlongo, who came through the ranks at Pirates and knows the pressures of the club’s No 1 jersey, believes the statistics and trophies make Chaine the standout candidate.

“Sipho Chaine…he’s done tremendously well for the club, surpassing Moneeb Josephs’ record of clean-sheets at the club,” said Mhlongo.

“He won the treble as well, consistently performing at the highest level and being rewarded with Bafana Bafana call-up at the World Cup.

“It goes without saying, he won the Goalkeeper of the Season in the 2024/25 season. There were questions why, because Sundowns won the league.

“But I think he doubled up, he did himself a huge favour by just performing the way he did. I don’t even know why I’m explaining this because sometimes it’s received otherwise.

“But look at the numbers, performances and the achievements of the team and as an individual. Sipho Chaine is the Goalkeeper of the Season, my opinion.”

Chaine’s clean-sheet record for the Soweto giants has been a major talking point this season, with Mhlongo highlighting his consistency across all competitions rather than just league form.

Delayed PSL awards heighten anticipation

The PSL’s end-of-season awards for the 2025-26 campaign are yet to take place, with organisers waiting for the conclusion of the World Cup before finalising dates.

The delay has intensified focus on the three goalkeeping nominees:

– Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates) – treble winner, Bafana Bafana World Cup call-up, and now holder of the club’s clean-sheet record previously set by Moneeb Josephs. – Ricardo Goss (Mamelodi Sundowns) – former Siwelele FC goalkeeper and a key figure for the Tshwane side, who have once again been among the dominant forces in the league. – Brandon Petersen (Kaizer Chiefs) – the Amakhosi shot-stopper who has been under scrutiny in a transitional period for the club but remains highly rated within South African football circles.

Mhlongo acknowledged the past controversy around Chaine’s 2024-25 Goalkeeper of the Season win, when some argued Sundowns’ league triumph should have tilted the award towards their keeper. This time, he insists, the weight of evidence is even stronger in Chaine’s favour.

Treble triumph strengthens Chaine’s case

Pirates’ domestic treble – combining league and cup success – has further reinforced the perception of Chaine as one of the most influential players in South African football over the past two seasons.

While the official voting and selection processes for the PSL awards remain confidential, former professionals such as Mhlongo often help shape public opinion around the honours.

With the World Cup still in progress and Bafana Bafana’s participation giving Chaine a global platform, the debate over who is truly South Africa’s standout goalkeeper shows no sign of slowing – but, in Mhlongo’s view at least, the answer is already clear.