Sirino Opens Up On Eligibility To Represent Bafana
Kaizer Chiefs attacking midfielder Gaston Sirino has spoken out about the prospect of representing Bafana Bafana in future, with the Uruguayan ace eligible to don the famous green and gold jersey of the national team.
The experienced talisman arrived in South Africa in January 2018, joining Mamelodi Sundowns from Bolivian outfit Club Bolivar. Sirino spent six years at Chloorkop before completing a move to Naturena on a free transfer at the beginning of this season.
Having acquired his South African citizenship in 2023 after spending five years in the country, the Montevideo-born star divided opinions amongst supporters and pundits alike on whether he should be considered for a national team call-up – similar to Lucas Ribeiro Costa currently.
With Bafana Bafana having qualified for the 2025 Africa Cup Of Nations (AFCON) In Morocco later this year, and within touching distance of securing qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, the 34-year-old attacker admits he has thought about playing for South Africa.
“Of course [I have thought about representing South Africa], everyone wants to play for the national team. So, I’m now here with the possibility of playing for Bafana Bafana,” said Sirino, who relishes the possibility of being in Hugo Broos’ plans.
Although he has a desire to turn out for Bafana, Sirino acknowledges that age is not on his side, making any breakthrough into the national team a difficult task, with the nation boasting a host of talented youngsters in the attacking department.
“But I’m not young like so many players here, it’s good players, so it’s the reality of the Bafana Bafana [situation]. But the team Bafana Bafana is good now, they play very good, different, so it’s good also,” he added.
On being snubbed in his native country, the Amakhosi star attributes his exclusion to the two-time world champions possessing quality players who have good exposure due to plying their trade at big clubs.
“Uruguay is normally small, it’s 3.5 million people but they have too many players, good players. All the national team players play in big teams, so it’s difficult for us to also have a chance, ” Sirino continued.
“Sometimes we only need luck to play for the national team, but of course it’s Uruguay they have so many players at a top, top level.”
Sirino has so far managed to chip in with four goals and provided six assists in 24 appearances across all competitions for Chiefs. The seven-time South African champions added his third Nedbank Cup in his collection when Chiefs defeated Orlando Pirates 2-1 in the final on Saturday.
Pic courtesy of Inja Ka MoyaSnaps
