Kaizer Chiefs legend Doctor Khumalo, a revered figure in the club’s history, has offered his insights into Gaston Sirino’s high-profile move to the club.
The Uruguayan joined Amakhosi as a free agent recently after cutting ties with Mamelodi Sundowns at the end of last season.
Sirino penned a two-year deal in Naturena that keeps him at the club until 2026. His transfer has stirred both excitement and scepticism, with the history of Sundowns players struggling at Naturena casting a shadow of doubt.
Acknowledging the past struggles of players making the same switch, Khumalo carefully chooses his words when predicting Sirino’s future.
“If you look back at history, it’s true,” Khumalo said on SABC Sport, referring to the underwhelming performances of former Sundowns players at Chiefs.
However, he emphasises the unique circumstances surrounding Sirino’s arrival. “He comes to Chiefs at the right time. He really wants to play.” The 33-year-old is Amakhosi’s fourth signing after Rushwin Dortley, Fiacre Ntwari and Bongani Sam for the 2024/25 PSL season.
Sirino struggled for game time at Sundowns under coach Rulani Mokwena, who is now in charge of Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca.
Khumalo believes that Sirino’s hunger for playing time, coupled with his undeniable talent showcased at PSL champions Sundowns, sets the stage for a potential resurgence.
He points to the new coaching set-up at Chiefs, led by the experienced Nasreddine Nabi, as a key factor that could unlock Sirino’s full potential.
DOCTOR KHUMALO BELIEVES SIRINO’S EXPERIENCE WILL BE KEY FOR KAIZER CHIEFS
“He also comes to a new set-up, new coaches. Now, these coaches are highly qualified, and they understand what they want,” Khumalo explains.
He envisions a scenario where Nabi and his team harness Sirino’s experience to address Chiefs’ current needs.
While Khumalo remains cautiously optimistic, he acknowledges the weight of history. “I might probably reserve my comments in terms of how he’s gonna fare,” he states. Yet, his belief in Sirino’s abilities and the conducive environment at Chiefs shines through.
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