With the Africa Cup of Nations just a few months away, this week's Friday Debate questions if Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine can sneak into the team before the competition in Ivory Coast.
Chaine was in the preliminary squad for the international friendlies against Eswatini and Ivory Coast, but missed out on a spot in the final team as Hugo Broos chose Ronwen Williams, Veli Mothwa and Ricardo Goss instead. After his performance in the MTN8 final last weekend, Chaine has been the talk of the town and he still has a bit of time before AFCON to convince Broos that he is worthy of a place in the squad.
But can he sneak into the team just a few months before AFCON? Soccer Laduma spoke to two former Pirates players to get their thoughts on the topic.
Lennox Bacela - former Orlando Pirates striker
I think we all can agree that Williams is our number one goalkeeper and he is the one we will be having in goal at the Africa Cup of Nations. But I don't think it is too late for any player to push for the squad because anything is possible. But I would think the coach would want a continuation of the squad he has been using. Unless, one of the three goalkeepers gets injured or has a bad run of form over the next few months, then I would say that that there is a chance for Chaine to get into the squad.
Lehohang Mokoena - former Orlando Pirates striker
He did well in the MTN8 and I think he has really stepped up for Pirates. I think he was the man of the match in the cup final, with the saves that he made. As a cover goalkeeper, I think he can get an opportunity (in the national team). He is young goalkeeper and it's like how Ronwen and a few others came up when (Itumeleng) Khune was still first choice. He should be roped into the national team. I don't think it's too late. I think he would be a good inclusion in the squad and it would give him confidence. For me, I feel he deserves a chance. Not as a first choice goalkeeper, but as support.
