Kaizer Chiefs Coaches Questioned for Limiting ‘One-of-a-Kind’ Gaston Sirino
Kaizer Chiefs are facing scrutiny over the limited game time given to Uruguayan-South African winger Gaston Sirino this season. Since returning from the 2025 AFCON break, Sirino has struggled to secure a consistent starting role, mostly appearing as a substitute. At 34, he remains one of the most experienced players in the Soweto giants’ squad, and his restricted minutes have raised questions about his role and long-term future at the club. Fans and analysts have highlighted his ability to unlock tight defences and create chances, suggesting that Chiefs are not maximizing his talent. With the CAF Confederations Cup and Premier Soccer League campaigns underway, the situation has become a talking point in South African football circles.
Sirino has featured in every competition Kaizer Chiefs have played this season but has struggled to make a significant impact. In 17 appearances across all competitions, he has managed only one goal and two assists, largely due to limited minutes on the pitch. The winger’s influence has often been stifled by the coaching staff’s reluctance to start him regularly. Analysts argue that his skill set as a creative left winger is unique in the squad, and his ability to penetrate deep-lying defences could be crucial in tight matches. Former Chiefs defender Dominic Isaacs has openly criticised the club, saying the team needs a “go-to man” like Sirino to dictate play and create chances consistently.
Isaacs explained that Chiefs currently lack a midfield leader who can control games, comparing the situation to Mamelodi Sundowns’ reliance on players like Marcelo Allende and Themba Zwane. “Sirino is a player you can’t waste on the bench. He unlocks tight and deep-lying defences, but you also need to complement him with ball players,” he said. The retired defender emphasized that the team could benefit significantly from making Sirino a central figure in their tactics. Analysts and supporters alike see the winger as a vital asset, capable of influencing both domestic league matches and continental fixtures such as the CAF Confederations Cup.
Competition for the left-wing position has also played a role in Sirino’s limited starts. Pule Mmodi and Ashley du Preez have been deployed on the left flank, but neither has delivered consistent performances. Mmodi has made 20 appearances in all competitions, scoring just one goal without registering an assist, while du Preez has struggled to find form this season. Despite having more starts than Sirino, both players have underperformed, raising further questions about the decision to sideline the experienced winger. Chiefs’ coaching strategy has come under criticism, with calls for the team to leverage Sirino’s creativity more effectively.
The future of Gaston Sirino at Kaizer Chiefs remains uncertain as his contract approaches its expiration in June 2026. If the club decides against renewing his deal, Sirino could be on the move, potentially leaving South African football. With limited playing time affecting his form and visibility, the winger’s next career step could depend on securing a club willing to make him a regular starter. For now, Chiefs fans and analysts continue to debate whether the coaching staff are underutilizing one of the squad’s most talented and experienced players. How the club handles Sirino in the coming months could shape both their domestic campaign and his professional legacy.
