Breaking: Gaston Sirino named on Mamelodi Sundowns bench

The Uruguayan midfielder was recently at loggerheads with his employers having requested to leave following reports he was wanted by coach Pitso Mosimane’s Al Wahda in the United Arab Emirates Pro League. 

READ: Hugo Broos sings Arthur Zwane praises after Bafana Bafana hold Ivory Coast

But the potential transfer never materialised, leaving Sirino out in the cold and further down the pecking order at Sundowns. 

According information gathered by the public broadcaster, the player has been included in the match day squad to face Galaxy in the cup tie at the Mbombela Stadium this evening. 

Sirino is expected to be on the bench and likely to feature for the first time this season in an effort to help Downs progress to the quarterfinals. 

The Brazilians have not only been hit by an injury crisis, but the delay in getting their seven Bafana Bafana players back from the national team camp in Ivory Coast has required coach Rulani Mokwena to dig deep. 

ALSO READ: Sundowns to face TS Galaxy without Bafana players

With Sundowns scheduled to play in the inaugural African Football League away in Angola against Petro de Luanda on Saturday, their fixture against Galaxy had to be moved to accommodate the continental tournament. 

This came after the Premier Soccer League initially voting against the DStv Premiership champions playing in the AFL…it was only last week that the issue was discussed further and a compromise made. 

Unfortunately, but also to their opponent’s favour, the date made available was tonight – and Sirino, being registered and recently acquiring his South African identity document to make him a local, has been drafted into the team. 

It’s understood the 32-year-old has issued an apology to his teammates, officials and hierarchy following the drawn out saga regarding his desire to leave and reunite with Mosimane in Abu Dhabi. 

The latest developments suggest he has been forgiven.