Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro could be forced into a little headache over the ever-present Sipho Chaine going into the next two matches as the goalkeeper tiptoes towards the first Soweto Derby of the season.
Chaine has proved himself a key member of The Buccaneers squad, starting in all 11 league matches so far, in the process keeping six clean sheets as the Soweto giants attempt to wrestle Mamelodi Sundowns up to the final matchday in the league title race.
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However, the 28-year-old is treading on thin ice after receiving his third yellow card of the season in the side's last Betway Premiership match against Cape Town City exactly a fortnight ago, which they lost 1-0.
One more caution, and the one-match suspension would kick in.
Pirates next face Royal AM in a crucial league encounter at Harry Gwala Stadium on Thursday, before a Nedbank Cup Last 16 game against Richards Bay FC on Sunday.
It is in these two fixtures that Chaine will hope to 'keep it clean' not only on the goals conceded front but in his disciplinary record as well.
That would then allow him to be available for the big derby against Kaizer Chiefs taking place on February 1.
With his contract up for renewal in June 2025, the former Chippa United man has done his talking between the sticks, often making crucial saves in big moments.
A case in point was the CAF Champions League group stage match against Al Ahly at Cairo International Stadium last Saturday, where he pulled off incredible saves to keep his team in the game as they went on to record a famous win en route to the quarterfinals.
Second in the pecking order of goalkeepers at the Houghton-based outfit is Melusi Buthelezi.
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Though a solid back-up who proved himself at TS Galaxy, the fact he is yet to feature this season could mean the Soweto Derby may be a little too steep a platform for a first appearance of the campaign.
Bucs also have the young trio of Siyabonga Dladla, Siphamandla Gumede and Ethan Visagie also awaiting their chance.