Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine's supercharged season has left him counting his way towards a colossal feat at the club this term.
Chaine is now the established first choice at Pirates as proven by his numbers since arriving from Chippa United in September 2022.
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This season, the former Bloemfontein Celtic keeper has played 35 games, conceded 27 and kept 15 clean sheets, while also achieving his first clean sheet in the Soweto Derby at the fourth attempt.
His clean sheets have been an improvement from six in his first season, which became 12 last term.
Written in bold letters are his appearances count (35), which have him within striking range of reaching 50 for the season.
Pirates have 11 league games to play, plus the possibility of two in the Nedbank Cup if they get past the semi-finals and reach the deciding match.
Two games are already guaranteed in the CAF Champions League, which could get to a maximum of six should they go all the way to the final.
This means a possibility of 19 more to play to add on to his 35.
Chaine's rise has come after starting at the back of the queue upon arriving at the club but has now done enough to earn an improvement on his deal at the Houghton-based side.
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Though he is locked into a contract for another two seasons, Pirates will have taken note of Chaine's input.
The push to half a century of appearances comes after Oupa Manyisa and the late Senzo Meyiwa played 51 games during the 2013/14 season.