Orlando Pirates coach names the one player he cannot do without

• Orlando Pirates have built an impressive defensive record, and their coach has explained what makes his system work
• The Buccaneers’ goalkeeper has delivered consistent performances, but his contribution goes beyond stopping shots
• With the CAF Champions League and Soweto Derby approaching, Pirates will need their defensive leaders to keep delivering

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has explained why goalkeeper Sipho Chaine is such an important figure in his team. The Buccaneers have enjoyed a strong start to the 2026/27 season, with defensive organisation and leadership playing a major role in their results.

The comments come after Pirates beat Namibian side African Stars 1-0 in the first leg of their CAF Champions League second preliminary round tie in Gaborone, Botswana. Tshepang Moremi scored the decisive goal, while Chaine helped the Soweto giants secure another clean sheet.

Why Sipho Chaine matters to Orlando Pirates

Speaking after the match, Ouaddou explained that his tactical approach depends on having influential players throughout the team, rather than relying on individual performances.

“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,” Ouaddou said, as reported by IOL.

“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.”

He added:

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

Chaine is therefore expected to contribute more than saves. His role includes organising teammates and helping maintain concentration when instructions from the technical area are difficult to hear.

Chaine’s clean-sheet record strengthens his case

His performances have made him a key figure in Orlando Pirates’ success. He kept 21 clean sheets in 30 Betway Premiership matches during the 2025/26 season, featuring in every minute of the Buccaneers’ title-winning campaign.

He had also impressed on the continental stage, recording nine clean sheets in 14 appearances in the 2024/25 CAF Champions League.

Those numbers highlight his consistency across domestic and continental competitions, with his ability to keep opponents at bay proving valuable in high-pressure matches. His contributions between the posts were central to Pirates’ league triumph, while his Champions League record showed he could also deliver against teams from across Africa.

Pirates face two important October tests

Pirates are scheduled to face African Stars in the return leg on Friday, 23 October 2026, before meeting Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto Derby on Saturday, 31 October.

Chaine’s form and leadership could be important in both fixtures as Ouaddou looks to maintain the team’s defensive consistency.

Orlando Pirates vs African Stars broadcast blackout sparks frustration

Briefly News previously reported that Orlando Pirates defeated African Stars 1-0 in their CAF Champions League preliminary-round clash. However, for many South African supporters, a broadcast failure overshadowed the match and left viewers unable to watch the action live.

SuperSport and SABC Sport both experienced transmission problems, and an attempted SABC Sport Facebook livestream also failed. The broadcaster apologised to viewers as technicians worked to resolve the issue.

Source: Briefly News

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