Chaine working hard on improving
Celtic keeper takes positives out of Cup semi-finals postponement
BLOEMFONTEIN Celtic goalkeeper Sipho Chaine is disappointed that the Nedbank Cup semi-finals won’t go ahead as planned this weekend, but says he agrees with the PSL’s decision to suspend the domestic season indefinitely.
The team from the City of Roses were scheduled to lock horns with Baroka FC for a place in the final of South Africa’s premier club knockout competition this weekend. But that’s been placed on hold since all events have been suspended indefinitely in the country.
The South African domestic football season has been halted for over a month in a bid to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic which has brought the country to a standstill as the government imposed a national lockdown at least until April 30.
Having been a hero between the sticks for Celtic, saving a penalty during regulation time and shootout in the quarter-finals against GladAfrica Championship side TS Sporting early last month, Chaine was looking forward to inspiring his team this weekend but says the safety of everyone is more important.
“It’s really disappointing that we won’t be playing but I think it’s for a good cause so that everyone must stay safe,” said Chaine, who has made five domestic appearances for Phunya Sele Sele this season.
After inspiring Celtic’s reserve team to the MultiChoice Diski Challenge crown and walking away with the Most Precious Find award last season, Chaine has his eyes fixed on helping the senior team to their first trophy since 2012 when they won the Telkom Knockout.
Experienced campaigner Jackson Mabokgwane may be the team’s designated No 1 but Chaine has since emerged as coach Lehlohonolo Seema’s first choice goalkeeper in the Nedbank Cup.
“If the league can resume and everything subsides, that would be better for everyone. Our ultimate goal for the season is to finish in the top-eight – maybe in position five if we can – but we’ll push as far as we can,” he said.
“Definitely, winning a trophy for the team is also important. It’s been a long time since the team won something, so it will be a real good feeling for the team and the supporters. We want to finish high up on the log and win silverware.”
The 23-year-old shot-stopper has had a roller-coaster outing this season, conceding 10 goals in five domestic appearances. Those are underwhelming returns for someone who learned from the best academy coaches in the United Kingdom while on tour with Celtic’s reserves last year.
But instead of sulking and moaning, Chaine says he’s focusing on the positives. After all, since being promoted from the juniors to the senior team in 2017, little did he know he’d finally play on the bigger stage, especially with former goalkeeper Patrick Tignyemb donning the No 1 jersey week in and week out at the time.
“It hasn’t been one of the best seasons for me based on numbers, but the progress that I am making is something that I am personally happy with. In times like these, this is where I think we’ve got to learn about the things that we are doing,” Chaine said.
“It hasn’t been easy because I haven’t played consistent games where you get to build your confidence. But I won’t scrutinise and be too hard on myself – although sometimes I do. But I think with game-time, I can definitely do better.”