Ouaddou Demands Bafana Call-Up After Pirates Star Equals Williams’ Historic Record
Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou hailed goalkeeper Sipho Chaine’s historic achievement after the shot-stopper kept his 18th clean sheet of the season in Tuesday’s 2-0 victory over Stellenbosch FC at Athlone Stadium.
With his flawless performance in Cape Town, Chaine officially equaled the PSL single-season clean sheet record of 18, set by Mamelodi Sundowns’ Ronwen Williams during the 2022/23 campaign.
In the process, Chaine eclipsed the previous club record held by Moeneb Josephs [17], who was a key pillar in Pirates’ 2011/12 treble-winning side.
Remarkably, that was also the last time the Buccaneers hoisted the league trophy.
How Have Orlando Pirates Broken Their All-Time Points Record?
As they hunt for the elusive league crown this term, Tuesday’s victory propelled Pirates to 62 points. This marks the highest points tally the club has ever recorded in the PSL era, surpassing the 61-point mark set by former coach José Riveiro last season.
Astonishingly, Pirates never reached the 62-point milestone in any of their four previous league title-winning campaigns.
They currently sit second on the log, just two points behind Mamelodi Sundowns, ahead of the Brazilians’ highly anticipated clash against Kaizer Chiefs on Wednesday night.
“Chaine is an important player for us,” said Ouaddou.
“Yes, I’m happy for him that he broke the record [of the most clean sheets for Pirates]; we still have some games.
“I hope Hugo Broos, the coach of the national team, will see his performance, and I really hope that he will be part of the national team in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
“He deserves it. He has been working hard for that.”
Will Sipho Chaine Make the Bafana Bafana World Cup Squad?
Chaine was a notable omission from the Bafana Bafana squad for March’s international friendlies against Panama in Durban and Cape Town.
Reports had previously circulated alleging friction in the national team camp during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where Chaine reportedly questioned the starting preference given to Mamelodi Sundowns players, including captain Ronwen Williams.
However, Chaine’s sensational domestic form has made it nearly impossible for national selectors to ignore him ahead of June’s global showpiece.
Chaine wasn’t the only Buccaneer to earn high praise from Ouaddou. The coach also singled out striker Evidence Makgopa, who netted the opening goal on Tuesday to help Pirates complete a crucial league double over the Cape Winelands outfit.
“Makgopa as well,” continued Ouaddou.
“He did well, and I’m happy for him.”
