Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine urged to claim South Africa starting jersey

Sipho Chaine has been challenged to turn his impressive form for Orlando Pirates into a starting place for the national team, with club legend Williams Okpara believing the goalkeeper is ready for the next step.

Chaine has carried his form from last season into the new campaign, recording five clean sheets in seven matches for Pirates.

The 27-year-old enjoyed an outstanding 2024-25 season, keeping 21 clean sheets in 30 league appearances. His performances earned him the Betway Premiership Goalkeeper of the Season award.

However, that success did not result in Chaine displacing the established goalkeepers in the national team, where he remained on the bench.

Okpara, a former Pirates goalkeeper, believes Chaine now needs to be more assertive in his pursuit of the national-team jersey under the new coach, Pitso Mosimane.

“It is time for him to take the step-up to command the national team jersey under the new national team coach (Pitso Mosimane),” says legendary Pirates keeper Williams Okpara.

“He needs to go and collect the national team jersey now.

“I believe he can do it based on what he continues to deliver at Pirates,” says Okpara adding on what Chaine needs to continue doing.

Okpara said Chaine must remain focused on his work and avoid allowing criticism to affect his progress. He also drew on his own playing career, when he learned to use difficult experiences as motivation rather than allowing them to undermine his confidence.

“One of my secrets when I was playing was being able to ignore all sorts of criticism including insults.

“I was able to grow by absorbing everything.

“I believe that he must focus on working hard all the time and not be discouraged.

The former Pirates goalkeeper also warned that Chaine’s development could not be considered separately from the performances of the players in front of him.

“You are not a good keeper without the rest of the team, so his case is not isolated because this is a team sport.

Okpara believes the relationship between Chaine and the defenders must continue to improve, with that understanding built through their daily work at training.

“Yes, in a team we are one big family, but the connection must be stronger with the defenders and that good rapport starts at training.

Having watched Chaine during the opening matches of the season, Okpara said the goalkeeper’s calm manner was evidence that he is playing with growing self-belief.

“I have watched him this season and he is calm which shows he is confident,” says Okpara.

Chaine’s recent record has strengthened the case for his inclusion in the national-team picture, but Okpara’s message is that consistent performances for Orlando Pirates must now be matched by the ambition to take responsibility at international level.

The goalkeeper’s form comes as Pirates prepare for their cup final quest against Mamelodi Sundowns and continue their campaign against the new additions to the league.