Orlando Pirates legend Moeneeb Josephs lauds Sipho Chaine's goalkeeping abilities - 'That is the type of a goalkeeper that wins you league'

Former Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Moeneeb Josephs has hailed Sipho Chaine as the pivotal factor in the Buccaneers' Premier Soccer League title ambitions.

Chaine has been outstanding for the Sea Robbers this season thus far, having kept seven clean sheets in the league. He made an essential save in the dying moments of a match against Sekhukhune United that allowed Bucs to secure maximum points recently.

This was before the Soweto giants suffered a heavy and humiliating loss to Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday, where he let in four goals. Now, the former Bafana Bafana keeper, Josephs, has asserted that Chaine could secure the league title for Pirates due to his remarkable saving skills.

"That is the type of a goalkeeper that wins you leagues, Chaine has so far gotten us probably 15 points this season with the vital saves that he makes," Josephs said on the SoccerBeat YouTube Channel. 

"You saw the save at the death against Sekhukhune, ow, my goodness! I was already crying, to anticipate a save like that is the most difficult thing because the guy is right in front of you. 

"Chaine has the ability to stand straight up and just when the player is about to shoot,  he reacts. Great goalkeepers don't always anticipate, they react, that was a reaction save, to read that ball is unbelievable."

Chaine has established himself as Jose Riveiro's first-choice goalkeeper after Pirates parted ways with Richard Ofori at the conclusion of last season and since then, he has not looked back.

The goalkeeper has so far helped the Sea Robbers collect 33 points from 14 league games and made a huge contribution to see the club reach the Caf Champions League knockout stage. 

The Bafana Bafana international currently plays ahead of second-choice shot-stopper Melusi Buthelezi, who was anticipated to be the starting keeper at the club when he joined from TS Galaxy in June 2023

Chaine’s attention will be directed towards assisting Pirates in winning the league, the Caf Champions League, and defending their Nedbank Cup title this season.

That commitment begins on Saturday, February 15, when the Buccaneers face Baroka FC in the Nedbank Cup Round of 16 match at Orlando Stadium.