Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has praised the importance of goalkeeper Sipho Chaine in the Buccaneers’ defensive structure.

The Buccaneers secured a narrow 1-0 win over African Stars in the first-leg clash at the Botswana National Stadium.

Chaine has been in fine form for the Buccaneers this campaign, having kept 10 clean sheets in 14 matches across all competitions.

Ouaddou praised Chaine’s latest clean sheet, stressing that a strong team spine and clear communication are essential to achieving the club’s objectives.

“In my game model and way of coaching I always give importance to the whole team,” said Ouaddou.

“But all teams need a spine. The spine is goalkeeper, a pair of central defenders, a 6, a 10 and a 9. I need to have leaders in all the lines.

“Sometimes when you play in front of 60 000 people players cannot hear you … you at least need right hand people in your team, they know the principle of what you have to achieve. Sipho is part of that defensive line, and we use him a lot to remind the defensive line what they have to do. Sometimes you have to be hard and wake people up if they are sleeping. Sometimes you need to shout.

“I am just happy about Sipho’s performance again, another clean sheet. I love goals and I hate to concede, as an ex-defender. So today was good result.

“We scored one and came back with a clean sheet so I am very happy.”