Chaine the hero as Pirates defend MTN8 title

Orlando Pirates have a new hero and his name is Sipho Chaine. The goalkeeper saved three penalties as the Buccaneers defended their MTN8 trophy at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.

Chaine denied Mamelodi Sundowns’ Bongani Zungu, Junior Mendieta and Teboho Mokoena from 12 yards to give his side a 3-1 win on penalties.

Playing in the home province of Senzo Meyiwa, the 26-year-old produced a performance that the late goalkeeper would have been proud of.

The game ended goalles, even extra time couldn’t separate the two teams who had their supporters on the edge of their seats throughout the 120 minutes.

Lucas Ribeiro was ruled out of the final and his creativity was missed. The Brazilian had chipped in with two assists ahead of the spectacle.

Sundowns were playing against a strong wind in the first half that made it difficult to play their normal passing game.

Jose Riveiro’s charges made use of the weather conditions at 2010 FIFA World Cup venue. They took the initiative but failed to conjure up clear-cut chances. They were the better team in the opening half but it remained goalless at the break.

Despite Pirates’ slight dominance, the best chance of the first 45 minutes fell to Themba Zwane.

The Sundowns captain was put through on goal by Peter Shalulile but his low shot was easily saved by the advancing Chaine five minutes into the game

The Soweto giants should have made better use of an indirect free-kick on the edge of the area. Williams was caught napping on the ball but the resultant set-piece yielded no end product with wall doing its job .

Pirates survive injury blow

Pirates were dealt a huge blow on the half hour mark. Olisa Ndah replaced the dependable Nkosinathi Sibisi following a clash of heads with Mothobi Mvala..

Roles were reversed in the second stanza as the Tshwane-based side pinned the defending champions in their own half.

Monnapule Saleng, who had a quiet game, nearly delivered the knockout blow in injury time. The fan-favourite found himself unmarked inside the box from a Kermit Erasmus pass but he hit the side of the net with only Williams to beat.

The drama didn’t end there, Chaine brought down Lebohang Maboe inside the box, but referee Abongile Tom whistled for an earlier obstruction on the ‘keeper by Shalulile with Masandawana’s faithful calling for a penalty.

Karim Kimvuidi stepped up to score the winning penalty after Deon Hotto and Lesedi Kapinga had also converted their kicks.