Orlando Pirates hero Sipho Chaine praises referee Abongile Tom

The Buccaneers were crowned champions following a 3-1 penalty shoot-out win with Chaine the hero after saving three spot kicks from Bongani Zungu, Junior Mendieta and Teboho Mokoena.

Tom was accused of denying Sundowns a penalty during the match when Chaine fouled Lebo Maboe, and naturally, the keeper was asked about the incident.

"Coming to your question, I think we should also give credit to [Abongile Tom], I know they go through a lot as referees and when they have a good game like they had today [Saturday], we should also give them credit. I think it was a good call from him," Chaine said.

With the opposition shouting for a spot kick, Tom blew his whistle for Peter Shalulile’s obstruction on Chaine moments before.

The goalie says not a lot of match officials would have picked that up.

"Even before I went in for the 50/50 ball or the challenge, I had a foul on me which he picked up and that was a great call from him. It wasn't easy to see that if he wasn't paying attention. So, we gotta also give him credit for such games as today," Chaine added.

The former Chippa United shot stopper was switched on from the start to the end, denying Themba Zwane a chance to put Sundowns ahead early in the second half – a moment which Chaine insists played a huge role in his Man of the Match display thereafter.

"I think the save in the first half as you asked was really a confidence booster. For every goalkeeper, it's very important to keep the team in the game when it was really tough. As it was a really balanced game and one goal could win it. I’m glad I could save the team and it spurred me on to give me more confidence even in the penalty-shoot-out.”