Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine attributes his career successes to his unwavering determination, sharing valuable insights about his remarkable journey with the Soweto giants.

Unlike many players who hone their skills at smaller clubs during their early careers, Chaine’s path was quite different. He missed the chance to play for Bloemfontein Celtic before their club status was transitioned to Royal AM just before the 2021/22 season.

During his time at Royal AM, Chaine participated in 31 matches, then made two appearances for Chippa United at the start of the 2022/23 season. Although his playing time was limited, Pirates quickly signed him, and he seamlessly adapted to the team. His contributions were crucial in helping Pirates clinch the Nedbank Cup that season, defeating Sekhukhune United in the final.

This success extended into the 2023/24 season, where he played an essential role in securing the Nedbank Cup for the second year in a row, showcasing vital saves during the penalty shootout in the MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns. He also played a significant part in Pirates’ most recent MTN8 triumph. Chaine has registered 70 appearances for Pirates, keeping 29 clean sheets.

“It has been a fantastic experience for me,” Chaine noted while speaking to Sportswire after leading the All-Stars team to a 3-0 victory over Magesi in the Carling Cup at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.

“Like every other athlete, my journey hasn’t been without challenges. I can attest to the obstacles many footballers face.

“The key is your determination to endure, your dedication to self-improvement, and your pursuits to enhance your abilities. Ultimately, as footballers, it’s about the quality we provide in each match and the type of player we aspire to become—putting in the effort and seeking to elevate every aspect of our game.

“And that encapsulates my journey. Moving from Celtic, then to Chippa, was not easy, but I made a deliberate effort to better myself.”

Chaine made his debut for Bafana Bafana two months ago against South Sudan during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, stepping in for the injured national team captain Ronwen Williams. With Bafana Bafana qualifying for the 2025 AFCON finals, Chaine is expected to be a strong contender for the national squad next year.

However, to secure his spot, Chaine must continue delivering strong performances for Pirates this season and next, as his contract is slated to expire in June 2025. The AFCON finals are scheduled to take place from December 2025 to January 2026, coinciding with the middle of the 2025/26 season.