Why is Sundowns not playing Sirino? Mokwena explains

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena has explained why Gaston Sirino has not played much this season.

The 33-year-old Uruguayan has only played nine league matches this season and is yet to score. His only goal came in the Carling Knockout Cup match against TS Galaxy but the Brazilians were eliminated. The striker’s lack of game time raised speculation that he and Mokwena were not on good teams.

Speaking on the Sports Night Amplified with Andile, Mokwena hinted that Sirino just doesn’t fit in his style of play.

“As the coach I have the unfortunate privilege to make decisions based on what I see every day at training and for me, there’s just more to the game than the pass, the dribbles, the things and that’s not just for Gaston, that’s for all the players at Mamelodi Sundowns,” Mokwena said told SNAWA. 

Sirino has spent six years with Sundowns but played fewer matches since Rulani Mokwena took over. Under Pitso Mosimane, the South American forward flourished and in his first two seasons, he scored 21 times in 46 matches.

Mokwena hinted that Sirino is not a player that he could invest in going forward.

“It’s the feeling of trust, it’s the feeling of investment. I come from a family that has invested so much in football and I understand for example that football is not just a game that is to be played without emotions. 

“I have a late grandfather who died because he was on his way to Welkom and wanted to recruit one of the best players for Orlando Pirates at the time and he passed away mysteriously on the side of the road for football,” the Downs coach said.

Mokwena explains in detail about Sirino’s position at the club

“I have an uncle who went overseas and was given a jersey by the greatest, Pele, who left his own wedding to go and help his team win a final. Those are my expectations from my players.”

“That’s the depth of investment I expect from my players and when I don’t get that when I don’t get that sense it is very difficult for me to play you in this team,” he added.

“What also doesn’t help is by nature as human beings, if you express publicly not once, not twice, not three times, you can’t hold it against him unfortunately or fortunately because he is also a very good person, he’s someone I like a lot Gaston Sirino but it’s difficult to get the best out of someone who doesn’t want to be there,” said Mokwena.