Goalkeeper Sipho Chaine sets South African Premiership clean sheet record

Sipho Chaine has written his name into the history books of the Betway Premiership after becoming the first goalkeeper to register 14 clean sheets in the opening 20 matches of a season.

The Orlando Pirates shot-stopper has been central to one of the most formidable defensive campaigns in the league this term.

Pirates have conceded just eight goals across those 20 matches, with Chaine repeatedly providing the final barrier behind a disciplined backline.

His remarkable run of shut-outs underlines the defensive solidity of the Buccaneers, who have built their season on resilience at the back. In 14 of those league matches, opponents have failed to find a way past the goalkeeper, highlighting both Chaine’s form and the collective organisation of the team’s defence.

Only a handful of sides have managed to breach the Pirates goal during this period. Marumo Gallants and Mamelodi Sundowns are the only teams to score twice in a single match against Chaine this season. Goals have also come from Sekhukhune United, Lamontville Golden Arrows and Polokwane City.

One of the standout moments came in Pirates’ defeat to Sundowns last month, when Brayan Leon struck twice to hand the Brazilians victory. The Sundowns forward remains the only player to score a brace against Chaine during the current league campaign.

The achievement sees the Pirates goalkeeper surpass the previous benchmark set by Ronwen Williams. The Mamelodi Sundowns and South Africa national football team captain had recorded 13 clean sheets after 20 matches during the 2022/23 season, a record that had stood as the best defensive start by a goalkeeper in the competition.