Ouaddou: Chaine is the backbone of Pirates’ Champions League challenge

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says goalkeeper Sipho Chaine is a key part of the team’s structure as they pursue success in the CAF Champions League and domestic competition.

Pirates take a narrow advantage into Friday’s second-leg meeting with African Stars after Tshepang Moremi’s second-half goal secured a 1-0 win over the Namibian champions in the first leg at the National Stadium in Gaborone, Botswana.

The Soweto club will now aim to finish the job in Johannesburg and book their place in the group stages.

That result extended an outstanding start to the season for Pirates, who have suffered only one defeat in 15 matches across all competitions. They have won 12 games, drawn two and kept 11 clean sheets.

Chaine has played a significant role in that defensive record, but Ouaddou believes his influence extends well beyond his work between the posts.

The coach says his tactical system requires experienced figures in every section of the side, with the goalkeeper responsible for organising the defence and helping establish the standards expected across the team.

“You see, in my game model, in the way that I’m coaching, I have always given importance to the whole team, of course, to the players,” said Ouaddou in his post-match press conference.

“But you always need a spine, and the spine is the goalkeeper, the pair of central defenders, the six, the ten and the nine. And I need to have a leader in every line.

“It’s important to have a well-oiled machine. You need to have strategic leaders in every line.”

Chaine’s performances over the past two seasons have reinforced his status as one of the central figures in the Pirates squad.

The Bafana Bafana goalkeeper produced nine clean sheets in 14 appearances during the 2024/25 CAF Champions League campaign. That was the best record in the competition as Pirates reached the latter stages under former coach Jose Riveiro.

He also played every minute of Pirates’ 2025/26 Betway Premiership campaign, recording 21 clean sheets in 30 appearances as the club ended a 14-year wait to win the league title.

The reigning Goalkeeper of the Season has consequently become more than the final barrier in the Pirates defence. His consistency and leadership have made him an important part of a side competing on several fronts.

African Stars will travel to Johannesburg for Friday’s return leg, with Pirates seeking to preserve their advantage and secure progression to the CAF Champions League group stages.