A feeling you can’t get used to – Chaine on Pirates’ winning culture

Sipho Chaine once again found himself at the heart of Orlando Pirates’ success, adding yet another medal to an already swelling collection as the Buccaneers lifted the 2025 Carling Knockout Cup.

The goalkeeper, who has become one of the club’s most reliable figures during this golden period, now boasts seven trophies in black and white — four MTN8 titles, two Nedbank Cups and the newly acquired Carling Knockout.

His influence has grown with each campaign, and his calm presence has become a cornerstone of Pirates’ resurgence.

Reflecting on another night of triumph, Chaine spoke with the humility and hunger that have come to define him.

“Its a feeling you can’t get used to, being in this position, playing another cup final and for us it was all about winning the trophy and as a group and club,” he said.

“Pirates is a club that prides itself on winning trophies and for us to win two in a short space of time is a feeling I can’t put into words.”

The final also carried an emotional layer, marking the farewell of Mbekezeli Mbokazi — Chaine’s defensive partner whose meteoric rise has seen him secure a move to Major League Soccer.

Their partnership has been pivotal this season, blending Chaine’s experience with Mbokazi’s youthful assurance and athleticism.

Chaine did not hide his admiration for the 19-year-old.

“In a very short space of time, he’s extremely talented, he brought a different energy to our team and the nation,” he said.

“Considering where he comes from, its always the narrative that when you come from a small place that you can’t achieve great things.”

“Its very difficult to see a 19 year old that plays with so much maturity and for him big things are coming his way.”

The Bloemfontein-born shot-stopper now shifts from club duties to international focus as part of the Bafana Bafana side that will contest the Africa Cup of Nations this month.

His place in the squad is secure and his value increasingly evident as South Africa also begins laying foundations for next year’s World Cup qualifiers.

Chaine reacted emotionally to the World Cup draw, describing it as a full-circle moment in his football journey.

“I remember in the 2010 World Cup opener, I was at home with my sister and I’ve never celebrated that much in my life so it’s crazy that the draw would come out like that but it’s going to be a big tournament for us and I’m looking forward to it.”

He spoke passionately about the honour of wearing the national jersey and what it means to carry the hopes of a football-loving nation.

“Its an honour to represent my country and to be a part of that group heading to the AFCON is a privilege for me and everyone in that group so we need to push ourselves to make South Africans feel the way they used to feel.”

As Pirates celebrate another trophy and Bafana prepare for a defining international window, Chaine stands as one of the few figures bridging both success stories — a leader in club colours and a dreamer in national ones.