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Gaston Sirino, the playmaker for Kaizer Chiefs, highlighted a key difference between his former club, Mamelodi Sundowns, and his current team as the Naturena-based side seeks solutions to persistent challenges this season.
The Soweto giants brought the Montevideo-born player on board with a free transfer in August 2024, aiming to bolster their attacking force after a disappointing finish in 10th place during the PSL era.
Additionally, Chiefs welcomed Nasreddine Nabi, a coach they have pursued for a significant time due to his successful stints with Tanzanian club Young Africans and AS FAR of Morocco.
The appointment of the Tunisian coach, combined with new player signings, sparked renewed optimism in Naturena.
Nevertheless, the Amakhosi have encountered hurdles, currently positioned ninth in the Betway Premiership with 30 points from 26 matches this season. Amid these struggles, there is a silver lining as the Glamour Boys have reached the Nedbank Cup final, where they will face off against Orlando Pirates at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
In comparison, Sundowns are poised to secure their record-extending eighth consecutive title and are also competing in the CAF Champions League final, with Egyptian side Pyramids FC standing in the way of their continental aspirations.
The Uruguayan player, who celebrated winning 11 trophies with the Tshwane club, including seven league titles, credits Sundowns’ success to their depth in the squad, while noting that Chiefs struggle when key players are sidelined, impacting their rhythm.
“I believe Sundowns possesses an abundance of quality players. Here [at Chiefs], if one player is injured, it often leads to more injuries, leaving us short on options,” Sirino commented.
“When players like Miguel [Inacio] are out, we have to depend on others, with players like [Bradley] Cross stepping in as a center-back. Sundowns don’t encounter such problems since they have depth in every position, though the quality here is commendable too.”
As of now, Sirino has made 23 appearances across all competitions since joining Chiefs, netting three goals and providing six assists. The 34-year-old forward is keen to make a more significant impact in the remaining matches of the season.
Moreover, he is determined to help Chiefs end a decade-long trophy drought in what is expected to be their most critical match of the season on Saturday, marking the club’s first domestic cup final since 2019.
