Ben Youssef reveals why Gaston Sirino was held back by Durban City

Durban City FC head coach Khalil Ben Youssef has explained why new signing Gaston Sirino was not selected to start their opening league match against Sekhukhune United.

The experienced Uruguayan was named among the substitutes at the weekend and only entered the game during the second half. His absence from the starting line-up had raised questions, particularly after Durban City secured his services following his departure from Kaizer Chiefs.

Ben Youssef confirmed after the match that Sirino had been dealing with a minor injury and had not completed enough pre-season training to be ready for a full 90 minutes. The coach therefore opted to manage his involvement carefully rather than risk asking too much of him at the start of the campaign.

“No, Sirino was injured,” Khalil explained after the match.

“Sirino started to train only three training sessions this week. He was two weeks out, so he’s not able to play 90 minutes. So, for that, we keep him for the second half.”

The decision was also influenced by the tactical demands of the first half. Instead of Sirino, Ben Youssef selected Jean Lwamba, whose pace and movement were considered better suited to the team’s initial plan against Sekhukhune United.

“I think the plan of the game, it was to choose [Jean] Lwamba because we need someone who is more mobile,” Ben Youssef said.

“About the mobility of Lwamba, he is fast, and he can give us solutions in the deep, and it was the plan of the first half if you see how many balls he received behind the line of defence,” he added.

Sirino arrived at Durban City as a free agent after leaving Kaizer Chiefs. Ben Youssef already knows the midfielder well, having previously worked with him at the Soweto club, and is familiar with the qualities he can bring to the team when fully fit.

The signing also gives Durban City a player with considerable experience of South African football. Sirino has won an impressive collection of trophies since arriving in the country eight years ago, making his knowledge and winning background an important asset for the KZN outfit.

Durban City will be hoping to build on their own recent success after famously winning the Nedbank Cup last season. Their ambitions will now depend in part on how quickly Sirino can return to full match fitness and take on a greater role.

Ben Youssef’s side may require the Uruguayan’s creativity and experience when they attempt to break down a stubborn Bucs defence and secure progress to the next round. For now, the coach’s explanation makes clear that Sirino’s limited involvement was a fitness decision rather than a reflection of his importance to the team.