Orlando Pirates share goalkeeper coaching duties between Damons and Mpontshane

Orlando Pirates have adjusted their matchday arrangements to accommodate the return of head goalkeeper coach Tyron Damons while retaining the involvement of assistant coach Siyabonga Mpontshane.

Damons resumed full training during pre-season after recovering from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident on 31 August 2025. The incident occurred as Pirates travelled back from their match against Chippa United in Gqeberha, with Abdeslam Ouaddou and Tapelo Xoki among the other people injured.

Before Damons returned, Mpontshane took charge of the goalkeeping duties for the final 36 matches of last season. Damons is now back working with the club’s goalkeepers alongside Mpontshane.

The two coaches have, however, been sharing responsibility for matchdays. Damons was on the bench for Pirates’ domestic competition fixtures, while Mpontshane watched those matches from the stands.

That arrangement changed in the club’s most recent two CAF Champions League matches against La Cure Waves from Mauritius, when Mpontshane was named on the bench instead.

It has not been established whether Mpontshane’s presence on the bench was linked to CAF Club Licensing Regulations. Those regulations require members of a technical team to hold verified credentials before they can take a place in the technical area on matchday.

Chaine continues strong run

While the coaching responsibilities have been managed between Damons and Mpontshane, Sipho Chaine has continued as Pirates’ first-choice goalkeeper.

The Soweto club have recorded seven clean sheets in their opening 10 matches across all competitions. Chaine has started every one of those games, conceding only three goals and never allowing two goals in the same match.

His form follows an outstanding 2024-25 campaign, when he kept 21 clean sheets in 30 league appearances. That record earned him the Betway Premiership Goalkeeper of the Season award.

Across all competitions last season, Chaine played 42 matches and finished with 28 appearances in which Pirates did not concede.