A heartbroken Mfundo Vilakazi has reacted to the departure of Gaston Sirino, penning an emotional farewell to the experienced playmaker following his exit from Naturena.
The Soweto giants cut ties with Sirino following the expiry of his contract on the 30th of June 2026. Chiefs announced the Uruguayan attacker’s departure 24 hours ago as the club is reshaping its squad for the new season’s challenge.
Sirino became the fourth player to part ways with Chiefs after the axing of Happy Mashiane, George Matlou, and Tashreeq Morris.
The highly-rated playmaker spent two seasons with the Glamour Boys, having arrived in July 2024 as a free agent following his departure from Mamelodi Sundowns, the club that gave him his first taste of South African football.
During his stint with Chiefs, Sirino scored five goals and provided eight assists in 52 appearances across all competitions. The 35-year-old was also instrumental in ending Chiefs’ 10-year trophy drought when the Naturena-based side clinched the Nedbank Cup during the 2024/25 campaign.
After struggling for game time in the previous season, the Soweto giants have decided to allow Sirino to move on as a free agent following the expiry of his two-year deal.
MFUNDO VILAKAZI LEFT EMOTIONAL BY SIRINO’S EXIT AT CHIEFS
Reacting to Sirino’s exit from Chiefs, Vilakazi took to Instagram on Monday to express his heartbreak at losing the skilful midfielder as a teammate. The youngster appeared to share a close bond with Sirino; the duo were often seen spending time together at the Uruguayan’s home and frequently shared warm, light-hearted moments during training and matches.
“Today [Monday] is a very sad day for me. It’s hard to put into words how much you mean to me,” Vilakazi said on his Instagram page. “Since joining this club, I have learned so much from you on and off the pitch.
“It was a dream to share a dressing room with you; I’ll miss you a lot. God bless you always; You’ve shaped my career and my life more than you can realise. Thank you for everything. I love you forever, bro.” Vilakazi added.
SIRINO AND PARTNER RESPOND TO MFUNDO VILAKAZI
Responding to the touching tribute, Sirino expressed his gratitude and offered some fatherly words of encouragement to the teenage winger. “My son, it was lovely these two years we shared together. I’m going to miss you,” Sirino wrote. “God gave you an incredible talent; you just have to enjoy it and go for your dreams.”
Sirino’s partner, Melanie Arue, also chimed in with a heartfelt message, praising Vilakazi’s maturity and character off the pitch.
“Thank you for your friendship, for checking in with Gastón every day just to see if he was okay,” Arue added. “We will always remember you fondly, and we know you’ll go far—not only because of your talent in football, but also because of your big heart. God bless your life; we wish there were more friends like you in the world.”
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Meanwhile, Sirino is seemingly not short of suitors, as he is set to join Durban City FC to reunite with his former Chiefs coach, Khalil Ben Youssef.
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