Mamelodi Sundowns’ head coach, Rulani Mokwena, has shed light on the limited playing time of midfielder Gaston Sirino.
Sirino has previously been linked with moves to both North Africa and the Gulf region. He has openly expressed his willingness to depart Chloorkop. At some point, Al Ahly were keen on his services during Pitso Mosimane‘s tenure.
In an interview on Metro FM’s Sports Night Amplified, Mokwena hinted at concerns over the player’s dedication. He emphasised that selection decisions are based on daily observations at training. “There’s more to the game than just the pass and dribbles… And that’s not for Gaston, that’s for all players at Mamelodi Sundowns. It’s the feeling of trust, it’s the feeling of investment,” he explained.
Mokwena’s comments suggest that factors beyond technical skill, such as commitment and attitude, are influencing his decisions regarding the midfielder’s playing time.
WHY GASTON SIRINO HAS BEEN SIDELINED BY RULANI MOKWENA
Drawing inspiration from his football-rich lineage as the son of Julius Sono and nephew of Jomo Sono, he emphasised the importance of loyalty within his team.
“I come from a family that has invested so much in football. I understand, for example, that football is not just a game that is played without emotions,” Mokwena explained. The 37-year-old mentor cited the tragic loss of his grandfather, who passed away while on a scouting mission for Orlando Pirates. “He passed away mysteriously on the side of the road for football.”
He also recalled his uncle, who sacrificed his wedding to help his team secure a victory. These stories underscored the level of commitment Mokwena expects from his players.
This expectation has been tested by Gaston Sirino’s repeated public displays of affection for Ahly, Sundowns’ Egyptian rivals.
Mokwena, deeply rooted in his family’s football legacy, finds this behaviour troubling. “That’s the depth of investment I expect from my players,” he said. “When I don’t get that sense, it is very difficult for me to play you in this team.”
He admitted the difficulty of maximising the potential of a player who appears to have his heart set elsewhere.
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