Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has explained why Sipho Chaine is central to the Buccaneers’ impressive form, highlighting the goalkeeper’s leadership role within the team’s spine.

Ouaddou was speaking after Pirates edged Namibian champions African Stars in the first leg of their CAF Champions League second preliminary round tie at the National Stadium in Gaborone, Botswana.

A second-half strike from Tshepang Moremi gave the Soweto giants a slender advantage ahead of Friday’s return leg in Johannesburg, where they will look to secure their place in the group stages.

The victory also extended Pirates’ strong run across competitions. They have lost just once in 15 outings this season, winning 12 and drawing two, while keeping 11 clean sheets.

Chaine has been an important part of that defensive record, but Ouaddou believes the goalkeeper’s contribution goes beyond stopping shots.

The Pirates coach explained that his tactical approach depends on having influential leaders throughout the team, with the goalkeeper playing a key role in organising the defence and setting standards.

“You see, in my game model, in the way that I’m coaching, I have always given importance to the whole team, of course, to the players,” said Ouaddou in his post-match press conference.

“But you always need a spine, and the spine is the goalkeeper, the pair of central defenders, the six, the ten and the nine. And I need to have a leader in every line.

“It’s important to have a well-oiled machine. You need to have strategic leaders in every line.”

Chaine’s record over the past two seasons underlines his importance to Pirates.

During the 2024/25 CAF Champions League campaign, the Bafana Bafana goalkeeper recorded nine clean sheets in 14 appearances, finishing as the competition’s leading goalkeeper in that category during Pirates’ run under former coach Jose Riveiro.

He followed that with 21 clean sheets in 30 Betway Premiership appearances in the 2025/26 season, playing every minute of the league campaign as Pirates ended their 14-year wait for the league title.

The reigning Goalkeeper of the Season has therefore established himself as more than a last line of defence, providing consistency and leadership as Pirates compete on multiple fronts.

With African Stars arriving in Johannesburg for Friday’s second leg, Chaine’s influence could again prove important as Pirates look to protect their lead and complete the job at home.