Gaston Sirino suspended again after four yellow cards for Durban City

Gaston Sirino will miss Durban City’s derby against AmaZulu FC on Tuesday after collecting four yellow cards in his first eight appearances for his new club.

The veteran midfielder’s latest suspension means Durban City will be without him for the match at Chatsworth Stadium, as the 35-year-old serves a one-game ban for reaching the disciplinary threshold.

Sirino, a Uruguayan-South African, has already been booked four times this season. His first three cautions came during his opening five matches for Durban City, before he received another against Milford FC last month.

The latest suspension continues a pattern that followed him during his spells with Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs.

Although Sirino has consistently contributed goals and assists, his disciplinary record has been a recurring concern. He has now collected more than 30 yellow cards during his time in South Africa, representing Sundowns, Chiefs and Durban City.

Sirino moved to South Africa in January 2018 from Club Bolivar, who were the reigning champions of Bolivia at the time.

He spent six-and-a-half years with Mamelodi Sundowns, winning 12 trophies and becoming the first player to claim seven league titles in his first seven years in the PSL. During his time with the Tshwane club, he contributed 85 goals and assists.

The midfielder then joined Kaizer Chiefs for the past two seasons. He helped the club win the Nedbank Cup, but ended last season without a trophy.

Sirino, who is now registered as a non-foreigner, will be eligible to return for Durban City’s CAF Confederation Cup second qualifying round first-leg fixture against AS Port Louis.

Four other players are suspended for Tuesday’s fixtures: Veluyeke Zulu of TS Galaxy, Lindokuhle Zikhali of Richards Bay FC, Edgar Manaka of Marumo Gallants and Katlego Mohamme of Kruger United.

Sirino’s absence will be felt by a Durban City side preparing for a local derby, but his availability for the continental tie gives the club a swift opportunity to bring him back into the team after completing his domestic suspension.