Sipho Chaine Profile, Stats and Career
South Africa's number one goalkeeper, Orlando Pirates' wall between the posts, and 2026 World Cup squad member for Bafana Bafana.
By
Saim Junior
Published May 2026Sipho Chaine is a 29-year-old South African goalkeeper who plays for Orlando Pirates in the South African Premiership. The number 24 is recognised as one of the best shot-stoppers in the Betway Premiership and was named Goalkeeper of the Season for 2024–25. This profile covers his age, current club, career story, international history, and stats.
Chaine's rise took him from the Bloemfontein Celtic youth setup through Royal AM, Chippa United, and finally Orlando Pirates, where he has established himself as the first-choice keeper. His 2025–26 season has been exceptional, with 21 clean sheets in 30 Premier Soccer League matches and a save percentage above 76%. He is part of South Africa's 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Quick Answer
Sipho Justin Chaine is a South African professional goalkeeper born on 14 December 1996. He plays for Orlando Pirates in the South African Premiership and is part of the Bafana Bafana squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Chaine was named the 2024–25 South African Premiership Goalkeeper of the Season.
Early Life and Background
Chaine grew up in South Africa and developed through Bloemfontein Celtic's reserve setup from 2013, earning promotion to the senior squad. He made his Premiership debut in May 2019 in a 3–1 win against AmaZulu, but saw limited minutes in his early years at Celtic. His breakthrough came gradually as he proved his quality in training and cup appearances.
Sipho Chaine Personal Info and Profile
| Full name | Sipho Justin Chaine |
|---|---|
| Date of birth | 14 December 1996 |
| Age | 29 |
| Nationality | South Africa |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in / 1.85 m |
| Position | Goalkeeper |
| Current club | Orlando Pirates |
| Jersey number | 24 |
Club Career
Chaine joined Orlando Pirates in September 2022 after a short stint at Chippa United and previously at Royal AM, who had taken over the status of Bloemfontein Celtic. Since joining Pirates, he has grown into one of the most consistent keepers in the league, earning the Premiership Goalkeeper of the Season award for 2024–25. His 2025–26 campaign has been among the finest by any South African goalkeeper in recent memory.
Club Career Stats
| Period | Club | Apps | Clean Sheets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016–2021 | Bloemfontein Celtic | 28 | — |
| 2021–2022 | Royal AM | 2 | — |
| 2022 | Chippa United | 16 | 5 |
| 2022–present | Orlando Pirates | 83+ | 37+ |
2025–26 Season Stats (PSL)
| Season | Club | Apps | Clean Sheets | Save % | Goals Conceded |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025–26 PSL | Orlando Pirates | 30 | 21 | 76.5% | 11 |
International Career
Chaine made his senior Bafana Bafana debut in 2024 and has been included in South Africa's 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He serves as the third-choice goalkeeper behind Ronwen Williams and Ricardo Goss in the squad hierarchy. His inclusion reflects his outstanding domestic form with Orlando Pirates.
Playing Style and Key Strengths
Chaine is a commanding shot-stopper known for his composure under pressure and ability to organise his defensive line. His 21 clean sheets in 30 PSL matches in 2025–26 underline his consistency, while his save percentage of 76.5% shows he can deal with the shots he faces. He has never received a booking in that same period, reflecting his discipline and positioning.
Honours and Trophies
| Trophy | Times Won | Years |
|---|---|---|
| South African Premiership | 1 | 2026 |
| PSL Goalkeeper of the Season | 1 | 2025 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Sipho Chaine has established himself as one of South Africa's finest goalkeepers through consistency, clean-sheet numbers, and standout performances for Orlando Pirates. His selection for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is a reward for a remarkable 2025–26 domestic season. South Africa's fans will look to him as a key part of Bafana Bafana's squad depth between the posts.
