Sundowns’ Sirino is in limbo as transfer window hits deadline day

Gaston Sirino’s future is up in the air ahead of  transfer day deadline on Friday. The Uruguayan, who is unsettled at Mamelodi Sundowns, is yet to make an appearance for the club this season.

Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena has left the decision to the club’s management regarding the fan-favourite’s future at Chloorkop.

Sirino’s South American teammate Erwin Saavreda might have also played his last game for the club after going back to Bolivia to recover from a ligament injury.

“I would like to leave that to the club,” Mokwena candidly said about the future of the two players ahead of the MTN8 semi-final against Kaizer Chiefs at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday.

“This is a week where I only want to focus on the football and what happens with the preparations, tactics and getting that right.

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“I would be lying to you if I said I had an update with regards to Gaston and Saavreda. What I know is that he (Saavreda) is in Bolivia and I had a nice video chat with him. It had nothing to do with the club, it was a nice human brother to brother talk but to give you anything on that I would not like to do that and I will leave that space to the football club.”

‘We will see what the window brings’

The 36-year-old coach is not not happy with the transfer window, which was extended from the end of August to September 22. With striker Peter Shalulile back from injury, it remains to be seen if Sundowns will forge ahead with their pursuit of Cape Town City’s Khanyisa Mayo.

“It (need for new signing) was only necessitated by the injuries in the positions that we had up front,” Mokwena said.

“Those discussions were elevated but I’d like to leave it there. We will see what the window brings tomorrow.

“Do I like games being played while the transfer windows open? To be honest, no. I told my players that the season only starts when the transfer window closes. Especially for big clubs because when you play them there’s an artificial level of motivation from players of other teams because they also advertise themselves.

“Tomorrow, once the window closes, I will tell them that I’m very happy because everybody that is here is here and now they have the responsibility not only to me but to the club to compete and help each other get better.”

The Brazilians hold an away goal’s advantage ahead of the second leg of the MTN8 semi-final following a 1-1 draw in the first match.

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