Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine has a strong head on his shoulders and it's evident in how he speaks.
He's not the type to let fame get to his head. After coming off a great season with the Buccaneers, which even he did not expect, the 26-year-old has set his sights firmly on making sure that he holds onto the number one spot, especially with Melusi Buthelezi set to join the club next term from TS Galaxy.
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When the Buccaneers signed Chaine from Chippa United, the 26-year-old was there to provide back-up for Richard Ofori and Siyabonga Mpontshane. For different reasons, being injuries or lack of form to Ofori and Mpontshane, Chaine became the number one and held on tight to the position until the end of the season.
Chaine made 23 appearances in all competitions, 18 of which were in the DStv Premiership. Pirates have been searching for a goalkeeper for a while since the death of Senzo Meyiwa in 2014, bringing in the likes of Jackson Mabokgwane, Wayne Sandilands, Brilliant Khuzwayo, Mpontshane and Ofori, but they have not quite found the right man.
With age on his side, as well as a promising first season in goal, Chaine could just be the man they have been looking for all along.
"Personally, everyone has their goals, dreams, aspirations and what you work towards. For me, it was really unexpected. It also came as a shock to me, like it was a shock to everyone. Coming from my previous club to Orlando Pirates, I'd say not so established, you always strive to win every game. I think, for me, it was just how I've pushed myself and how I've always demanded from myself. Coming from Celtic, to Royal AM, to Chippa, it's always been about how I can give back as a football player," Chaine said to the media.
"Everyone might say that it worked out well because you are at Pirates and winning trophies, but it always started by how much you are willing to learn and how much you are investing into your craft. For me, personally, this is a great achievement, (but) there's more. I'd like to give all the glory to God for giving me this opportunity."
Now, work, however, does not stop here. Chaine is well aware of the fact that he has to work extra hard next season, with the club's aim to challenge for the DStv Premiership, and to defend the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup titles. There's also the Africa Cup of Nations in January to look forward, so Chaine will be fighting hard to catch the attention of Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos.
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"Coming to a club like Pirates, you walk into an environment where there is a lot to play for. Every competition you play in, you play to win. It's not going to be an easy season. It's going to demand a lot from us, but that's how good players and the best players thrive. We just have to embrace it and work hard."
"For me, it's about what Sipho can do better today, what Sipho can do better tomorrow, how Sipho trains every single day to make himself a better player. It's really not about anyone else."
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