Gaston Sirino reaches 100 goal contributions in South Africa but faces suspension risk

Gaston Sirino’s landmark achievement of reaching 100 goals and assists in South Africa has been overshadowed by the disciplinary threat hanging over the Durban City midfielder.

Sirino has made only five appearances for his new club, but he is already one booking away from serving his first suspension since joining. The 35-year-old has collected three yellow cards in just over 320 minutes of football.

Another caution would trigger a one-match ban, placing Sirino on a disciplinary tightrope as he continues to establish himself at Durban City.

The attacking midfielder’s tendency to attract the attention of referees is a concern despite his considerable attacking output. Sirino has been sent off twice during his time with Mamelodi Sundowns and once while playing for Kaizer Chiefs, in addition to collecting more than 30 yellow cards in South African football.

His latest goal came on Tuesday, when he scored in Durban City’s 2-0 away victory over Kruger United. The goal arrived only a few minutes after he had missed a clear-cut opportunity.

That strike took Sirino’s combined tally of goals and assists in South Africa to 100.

He has already registered one goal and one assist for Durban City, maintaining a rate of one goal or assist every 2.59 matches since arriving in the country.

Sirino moved to South Africa in January 2018 from Club Bolivar, who were the reigning champions of Bolivia at the time. He went on to spend six and a half years with Mamelodi Sundowns, winning 12 trophies during that period.

He also became the first footballer to win seven league titles in his first seven seasons in the PSL. Sirino contributed 85 goals and assists during his time with Mamelodi Sundowns.

The Uruguay-born player then spent the past two seasons with Kaizer Chiefs. He helped AmaKhosi win the Nedbank Cup but ended last season without a trophy.

Sirino produced 13 goals and assists for Kaizer Chiefs before leaving the club.

His move to Durban City means he is now registered as a non-foreigner. He signed a two-year contract when he joined the club last month and is set to reach a decade playing football in South Africa while remaining with his current employers.

For now, his immediate challenge is to maintain his availability. With three yellow cards already recorded from a limited number of appearances, Sirino must avoid another caution if he is to continue contributing to Durban City without interruption.