The reason why Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Gaston Sirino, undoubtedly the most creative player in the team, was not used against Richards Bay FC on Wednesday has been revealed.
Sirino has been a livewire for Chiefs in the early stages of the season, with two goals and four assists.
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However, the Uruguayan's impact on the team has somewhat waned, after he was substituted early in the second stanza in a 4-0 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns in the Carling Knockout quarter-finals prior to the FIFA break.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns star also missed two games in the mid season friendly tournament, Home of Legends Cup, against Golden Arrows and The Brazilians in the final they won on penalties.
After his absence raised eyebrows in Gqeberha, it was also surprising that the 33-year-old was named only on the bench and did not get any minute in a 2-1 win over Richards Bay on Wednesday.
Head coach Nasreddine Nabi has revealed why the Uruguayan was not used in that match.
"He is coming from an injury. Even in the tournament we played in PE, he was injured," Nabi told reporters in the post-match press conference at Peter Mokaba Stadium.
"We were planning to give him some minutes during the game, but given the circumstances with the red card, we could not risk it."
Amakhosi will remain in Polokwane as they host Royal AM at the same stadium in the Betway Premiership on Saturday and the Tunisian mentor suggested Sirino could feature in that and other upcoming matches.
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"But we will probably see him in the next games," he said.
The win moved the Soweto giants up to sixth on the table, eight points behind second-placed Sundowns, with a game in hand.