Sipho Chaine could prove to be more than just a back-up goalkeeper at Orlando Pirates after being given a chance in coach Jose Riveiro's line-ups.
After being signed from Chippa United in September, Chaine had been seen as a back-up keeper at the Soweto giants, with the club already having Ghanaian international Richard Ofori as their number one at the time, while veteran shot-stopper Siyabonga Mpontshane had been deputising for him.
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Bucs' development product Kopano Thuntsane has also been in the mix and waiting for a chance to cement his place when given to him.
However, with Ofori out injured, Chaine saw himself getting closer to getting a chance at the Buccaneers after he was called to deputise for Mpontshane against Richards Bay FC in October, which was his first time in Riveiro's match day squad.
With Mpontshane under fire for some of his performances at the end of last year, including the 2-0 loss against Mamelodi Sundowns, Chaine finally got his chance against Cape Town City two weeks ago.
Although Bucs lost the match in the Mother City, the 26-year-old did enough to convince Riveiro for another chance to start in goals for the Soweto giants.
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The former Bloemfontein Celtic player was in goals as Bucs defeated Golden Arrows 3-1 in their previous match in Orlando and indications from sources are that he might get the nod to keep his place this Sunday against Stellenbosch FC in another home fixture.
Chaine has proven to be confident with his shot-stopping and reflexes and could stake a claim for Bucs' number one if he continues with his current form in the coming fixtures.
