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Masandawana’s forward has appeared in only one match so far this season, the first game of the 2020/21 campaign
Defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns issued a statement on Monday saying that discussions with Al Ahly over the possible sale of Uruguayan forward Gaston Sirino had ended.
For several months it has been speculated that the player wants to leave Sundowns after three seasons with the club, in which he scored 29 goals and added 24 assists by winning the Telkom Knockout, the Nedbank Cup and three league titles.
Seeking to end the distraction and try to get Sirino to focus on his work, Masandawana issued the following statement:
“Mamelodi Sundowns FC today [Monday 28 December] announced that it has ended discussions with Al Ahly SC as the two clubs are too far apart from each other on Gaston Sirino’s transfer fee.
Good relations will continue between Al Ahly Chairman Mr. Mahmoud El Khatib and Mamelodi Sundowns Chairman Dr. Patrice Motsepe, as well as good relations between Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly, but it makes no sense or purpose to continue discussions about Gaston Sirino.
“Mamelodi Sundowns will continue to send players to European, African and other soccer countries as it did with Percy Tau, Keagan Dolly, Bongani Zungu, Ivorian international Siaka Tiéné and other players, but the transfer fee must be competitive as Mamelodi Sundowns pays consistently high and internationally competitive transfer fees for the players it acquires.
“Gaston Sirino must now focus on his football and compete for a starting position at Mamelodi Sundowns.”
It remains to be seen how focused Sirino will be, as he previously made clear his desire to join his former coach Pitso Mosimane at Egyptian Al Ahly.
The South American has played just once for the Sundowns this season, in his first game of the season, a quarter-final loss to Bloemfontein Celtic at MTN8.
The 29-year-old forward has reportedly been out with a hamstring injury and last month Downs coach Manqoba Mngqithi revealed that Sirino was recovering well but would not return to action.
Tshwane’s team leads the league standings over the Christmas holidays in South Africa.
Mosimane recently led Al Ahly to triple success, winning the Caf Champions League, as well as national league and cup titles.
