Abdeslam Ouaddou has backed Sipho Chaine and Evidence Makgopa to earn places in South Africa national football team squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup 2026.
The Orlando Pirates head coach praised both players following the club’s recent performances and urged Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos to recognise their contributions.
Goalkeeper Chaine was notably left out of the South African squad that faced Panama in two international friendlies in March, a decision that surprised many given his outstanding domestic form.
The Pirates shot-stopper recently broke the club’s record for most clean sheets in a single season, surpassing former goalkeeper Moeneeb Josephs, who recorded 17 shutouts during the 2009/10 campaign.
Chaine has now registered 18 clean sheets this season, equalling the Premier Soccer League record previously held outright by Ronwen Williams.
Speaking after Pirates’ victory over Stellenbosch FC, Ouaddou expressed hope that Chaine’s performances would earn him a place in South Africa’s World Cup plans.
“Chaine is an important player for us, and yes, I’m happy for him that he broke the record and we still have some games. I hope definitely that Hugo Broos, the coach of the national team, will see his performances,” said the Pirates boss.
“And I really hope he will be part of the national team in the US, he deserves it, and he’s working hard for that. Makgopa as well, he did well today, I’m happy for him.”
Makgopa has also impressed for Pirates this season, with his performances strengthening calls for greater involvement with the national team ahead of the World Cup.
Pirates will now turn their attention back to the Betway Premiership when they face relegation-threatened Magesi FC at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.
