Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine was the hero of the MTN8 semi-final, saving two penalties against Sundowns. | Itumeleng English/Independent Media
Image: Itumeleng English Independent Media
Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine has hailed the character of his teammates, praising how quickly the squad has come together despite limited time to prepare for a demanding campaign.
The Buccaneers entered this season after a busy transfer window, strengthening significantly with a host of new arrivals to boost depth for a campaign in which they are targeting both domestic and continental success.
Already crowned MTN8 champions this past weekend, the Sea Robbers will now turn their attention to the CAF Champions League and their pursuit of a second star on the badge.
Last season, Pirates’ continental run ended at the semi-final stage against eventual champions Pyramids FC following a 3-2 aggregate loss over two legs.
They will now look to build on that experience when they open their new campaign with a first-leg clash against Lioli FC of Lesotho at the Free State Stadium on Saturday (3pm kickoff).
Some of the club’s transfer decisions are already paying off, with former TS Galaxy defender Lebone Seema and ex-Stellenbosch FC midfielder Sihle Nduli making immediate impacts in the absence of regulars Nkosinathi Sibisi and Makhehlene Makhaula.
Their influence has helped Pirates find stability after a shaky league start that included back-to-back defeats.
Chaine, who has had to provide leadership in front of a reshuffled, inexperienced centre-back pairing, expressed pride in how well the side has gelled in such a short space of time.
“A very new team we have assembled this season, you can say starting from scratch,” Chaine said.
“I am just happy that we can come together very early in a competition that we have won a couple of times, and to do it again in such a short space of time says a lot about what we have grown to be as a group and as a new team.
“Its a new team, with about eleven new players, for us to come together has been incredible and it says a lot about the type of players we have, and what we can still achieve in the future with young players that are eager to do well for a club like Orlando Pirates.”
The Bucaneers squad depth this season has been shaped not only by smart signings but also by the continued rise of their homegrown talent. While new arrivals like Seema and Nduli have already proven their worth in key positions, the club’s youth graduates are showing they can thrive alongside them.
Relebohile Mofokeng continues to excite with fearless performances, while former academy product Mohau Nkota has already delivered financial rewards through his move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq.
Now the spotlight has shifted to 19-year-old defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi. His composure under pressure alongside Seema in recent games has highlighted just how effectively Pirates are blending new signings with homegrown talent to build a balanced, competitive side. Chaine has been taken aback by their maturity at such a young age.
“Impressive, you do not get that a lot. You do not get such mature 19 and 20 year olds players, usually you get one playing alongside an experienced player, but for them to do it together is really impressive,” Chaine continued.
“It can only go up from here, they can only get better if they remain humble and putting their heads down and taking it a game at a time, they are young boys that want to play football, and for them nothing else matters.
"it can go up and down and its part of the game but for them to do it at their age, its incredible.”