Pirates boss can “smell” league title as he reacts to Sipho Chaine’s historic feat

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has admitted the scent of a long-awaited league title is finally in the air, while also reacting to the record-breaking performance of goalkeeper Sipho Chaine, who made PSL history on Saturday night.

Ouaddou’s stand on the precipice of ending a 14-year wait for league glory, fuelled by a record-breaking defensive masterclass and a clinical 3-0 Betway Premiership victory over Magesi FC in Polokwane.

Reflecting on the significance of the win, head coach Ouaddou admitted, “14 or 15 years without a title, I think we start to smell it, we are close, but we cannot touch the trophy,” while he also reacted to the record-breaking display from goalkeeper Sipho Chaine by hailing him as one of the finest in the game.

The night at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium belonged as much to the record books as it did to the league table, as Chaine officially etched his name into the history books.

A Historic Wall in Goal For Pirates – Sipho Chaine

19 – Sipho Chaine has kept his 19th clean sheet in the league this season, a new competition record for a goalkeeper in a single PSL campaign. Mexico? pic.twitter.com/WrGZ27mU7p

— OptaJabu (@OptaJabu) May 9, 2026

Chaine recorded his 19th clean sheet of the campaign on Saturday night, breaking the previous record of 18 by Mamelodi Sundowns‘ Ronwen Williams. It is a big achievement for the Bafana Bafana international, who has reached the milestone in just 28 league appearances.

Speaking to the media in Polokwane, Ouaddou said: “I’m very proud of him. Sipho is one of the best goalkeepers in Africa, not only in the country. With Williams and the goalkeeper of Kaizer Chiefs, Brandon Petersen, they are great goalkeepers. For us, he has helped our team a lot. You can see he has a lot of experience. He talks to his teammates.”

Beyond the saves and starting play from the back, the coach stated that Chaine’s leadership qualities have been vital in Pirates’ defensive discipline. “I think he’s one of our captains on the pitch. It’s very important for a coach to have somebody you can rely on in defence,” the coach added.

Ouaddou: Pirates “Smell” the Title as They Edge Closer to Glory

The victory leaves the Sea Robbers just three points behind league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns with a game in hand. Crucially, Pirates hold a superior goal difference; should they win their final two fixtures, they will lift the trophy for the first time since 2012.

Despite the excitement, Ouaddou remains grounded regarding the final sprint.

“We still have two games, definitely we want to make our fans happy… we are close, but we cannot touch the trophy. We still have two games; we will see what happens, but credit has to be given to the fantastic fans as well; they really helped us, and we are going to fight for them until the end.”

With a record-breaking keeper in goal and the finish line in sight, the destiny of the title is now firmly in Pirates’ hands.