Kaizer Chiefs star Gaston Sirino is in a race against time to be fit for the Carling Knockout Cup on the weekend of the 19th. The Uruguayan playmaker, a key signing from Mamelodi Sundowns during the offseason, sustained an abductor muscle injury in Chiefs’ last match against his former club in the league, leaving his participation in the cup clash in doubt.
This news comes as a blow for Amakhosi fans, who have been excited by Sirino’s early performances. He has quickly become a fan favourite at the Soweto giants, scoring a goal and providing two assists in his first three starts.
With the draw for the second edition of the Carling Knockout Cup set to be done in Johannesburg on Tuesday, 08 October 2024, Chiefs faithful will be anxiously awaiting news of his recovery.
Club physio Dave Milner provided an update on Sirino’s condition, stating that he is “improving nicely” and is expected to return to full training within two weeks. However, with the Carling Knockout Cup just over a week away, it remains to be seen whether Sirino will be fully fit in time for the crucial match.
“Gaston Sirino sustained an abductor muscle injury in the last match, and he is improving nicely, and we expect him to be back in full training within two weeks,” said Milner.
CHIEFS’ INJURY WARD: UPDATES ON OTHER KEY PLAYERS
The FIFA international break has provided a silver lining for Chiefs, allowing their medical team to focus on the rehabilitation of several injured players. Milner also provided updates on George Matlou, Tebogo Potsane, Edmilson Dove, and Brandon Petersen.
Matlou is recovering well from his injury and is expected to return to action in November. Potsane, who had recently resumed training, sustained a fresh ankle ligament damage and is expected to be out for around three weeks. Mozambique international Dove, who pulled out of pre-season, is out of his protective boot and is expected to start running in November.
On the other hand, Petersen has had the pins removed from his finger and can start full training immediately.
Amakhosi fans will be hoping that Sirino can make a swift recovery and be available for the Carling Knockout Cup.
In the meantime, Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi will have to rely on their other attacking options to fill the void left by Sirino. Youngsters like Mfundo Vilakazi and Mduduzi Shabalala will need to step up and provide the creative spark if Sirino is unavailable.
The Carling Knockout Cup is a prestigious tournament, and Chiefs will be desperate to win it and end their nine-year trophy drought. A fit and firing Gaston Sirino would significantly boost their chances, but they may have to find a way to succeed without him.
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