Chaine faces longer spell on Pirates sidelines

An insider in the Orlando Pirates camp has revealed that goalkeeper Sipho Chaine might not be back in action until next year following his knee injury, which will make things difficult for him being the first-choice keeper.

ALSO READ: Pirates youngster set for another trial in Spain

Chaine has been the Buccaneers No 1 goalkeeper for some time, but now former TS Galaxy keeper Melusi Buthelezi has taken over from Ghana international Richard Ofori.

According to the source, Chaine’s injury seems to be serious and that has now made him sit at the back of the Bucs goalkeeping rotation queue.

It is said that Chaine will now be the fourth-choice shot-stopper at the club, with Buthelezi having impressed the technical team and Ofori back to full fitness.

Siyabonga Mpontshane is also eager for game time.

“Sipho’s injury seems to be more serious than what everybody thought. We all thought it is a minor thing and he would be back after that Cape Town Spurs game,” said a source.

ALSO READ: Riveiro says Makgopa has stamped his name in Pirates history

“But now he will have to start over to get back into the team because his injury is going to take at least three months, and I only see him coming back next year. I feel sorry for him because he was a regular in the team and everyone trusted him,” added the source.

“Now he has to start from scratch. Buthelezi has taken over now and he has been doing really well for the club. I remember well, the same thing happened with Ofori. He got injured, Sipho came in and took over. But what I like is that these guys have healthy competition and the coach likes that about them.”