FILE - Gaston Sirino, during his time at Mamelodi Sundowns, tries to evade the tackles of two Stellenbosch FC players. FILE - Gaston Sirino, during his time at Mamelodi Sundowns, tries to evade the tackles of two Stellenbosch FC players. There has been calls from fans include Sirino in the Bafana Bafana squad. Picture: Thobile Mathonsi / Independent Newspapers
While Gaston Sirino impressed during his official Kaizer Chiefs debut in their 2-1 Betway Premiership win over Marumo Gallants, it seems unlikely that he will ever play for Bafana Bafana.
There has been calls for Sirino to be added to the Bafana mix after the Uruguayan became eligible to represent Bafana Bafana in international competition more than a year ago.
The 33-year-old Montevideo-born attacker has never represented Uruguay in international competition, meaning that he can play for South Africa as per FIFA rules.
After joining Mamelodi Sundowns from Bolivar in 2018, Sirino has been one of the best players in the South African top-flight and has made the second most assists in the league during that time.
He looked really sharp since making the move to Chiefs, and assisted their opening goal against Gallants.
#10 Gaston Sirino
— Mohale®️ (@Mohale_17) September 15, 2024
Fine player this 🔥![CDATA[]]>👌![CDATA[]]>🏽
📹- MagnoliaArtsComps pic.twitter.com/mCMVqNHQ3d
However, his age counts against him when it comes to Bafana, as coach Hugo Broos has preferred giving youngster players a chance during his rebuild of the team. Themba Zwane, who was 34 years old during South Africa’s recent Africa Cup of Nations bronze-medal run, has been the exception to that rule.
Broos has had 18 months to pick Sirino, and is unlikely to do so now after the player celebrated his 33rd birthday in February.
A year ago Broos was quizzed about Sirino, and this is what he had to say ...
“Sirino is 32, which means in two years he will be 34,” said Broos.
“I don't think it is a good idea [to include him in the Bafana Bafana squad] because maybe you can have him for [2023] Afcon, then you have to look for another player; because will he be as good as he is now in 2026? I don't know, we will see.
“I rather prefer to work with younger players knowing that I can have a period of 4-5 years counting on him and I don't have to worry about his age.”
So, while Sirino is at the forefront of Kaizer Chiefs’ revival, it’s unlikely that we will see him in the colours of Bafana Bafana in the future.
@JohnGoliath82