Ouaddou calls out Bafana boss Hugo Broos: Record-breaker Sipho Chaine deserves World Cup ticket

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has called on Hugo Broos to include goalkeeper Sipho Chaine in the Bafana Bafana squad for next month’s FIFA World Cup in the US and Mexico.

Chaine has been in superb form for Pirates in the Betway Premiership; the Bucs goalkeeper equalled Ronwen Williams’ PSL record of 18 clean sheets in a single season after the 2-0 victory over Stellenbosch FC at Athlone Stadium on Tuesday evening.

Pirates still have three league games remaining, giving Chaine the chance to surpass the Bafana Bafana captain’s mark set in the 2023/24 season. He already holds the record for the most clean sheets for Pirates after passing Moeneeb Josephs’ tally of 17, set in the 2009/10 season.

Despite these heroics, Chaine finds himself on the outskirts of the national squad after being overlooked for the recent international friendlies against Panama in Durban and Cape Town.

"I'm happy for him that he broke the record, and we still have some games left," Ouaddou said.

"Chaine is an important player for us. I hope definitely that Hugo Broos, the coach of the national team, will see his performance.

"And I really, really hope that he will be part of the national team in the US. He deserves it and he's working hard for that."

Williams is Bafana’s undisputed No. 1, with his backup for the Panama friendlies consisting of Ricardo Goss and Sekhukhune United’s Renaldo Leaner.

Leaner was handed his Bafana debut in the second match in Cape Town, coming on for Williams at halftime, but unfortunately made a costly mistake as Panama won 2-1.

The Babina Noko shot-stopper’s confidence has nosedived since then, punctuated by a horrific performance against Stellenbosch FC at Athlone Stadium where Leaner was even substituted before the end of the game.

There has been speculation that in-form Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen has potentially played himself into the Bafana World Cup squad after some stirring performances, particularly in the Soweto derby, since returning from injury, but Chiane should no doubt also be part of the discussion.