Would Gaston Sirino have made a difference for Chiefs in Caf Confederation Cup loss?
Gaston Sirino’s absence due to suspension in Kaizer Chiefs’ 2-1 loss to Al Masry in the Caf Confederation Cup raises questions about his potential impact, as former coach Cavin Johnson suggests he hasn’t been given enough game time to showcase his talent. Picture: Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers
Image: Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers
One of the notable absentees from the Kaizer Chiefs team which lost to Al Masry in their Caf Confederation Cup match on Sunday was Gaston Sirino.
Chiefs lost 2-1 at the Suez Stadium in Egypt, and the winger likely did not make the trip as he is serving a suspension after picking up three yellow cards.
Bonheur Mugisha and Mohamed Hashem saw the hosts claim a 2-1 win over Chiefs, whose only goal was through Dillan Solomons.
The 34-year-old Uruguayan, who lit up the PSL with Mamelodi Sundowns from 2018 to 2024, has been unable to have the same impact at Chiefs.
Gaston Sirino’s Limited Game Time at Chiefs: Cavin Johnson’s Perspective
So far this season, Sirino has managed just one goal for Chiefs in 14 appearances, most off the bench.
Former Chiefs coach Cavin Johnson believes the player has not been given enough game time.
“Gaston Sirino, I never got a chance to coach him; he came after me at Chiefs. I don't know whether he has done enough since he got to Chiefs, but at the same time, I also don't think they have given him enough opportunity," Johnson told KickOff
"You must remember at Sundowns he was a very big player because they gave him the opportunity to play.”
There was no disputing the class of Sirino even as he nears his 35th birthday in January, insisted Johnson.
“Sirino is a good player; there is no doubt he is a good player.
"But whether he deserves an extension in his contract or not, that depends entirely on the coaches there at Chiefs. But to me, Sirino was a good player at Sundowns and still a good player even now.”
Whether he would have played a part in the match if he hadn’t been suspended can’t be known, but he will be available for Chiefs’ next Confed Cup home match against Zamalek on Sunday.
* The views expressed are not necessarily the views of IOL or Independent Media.
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