Ben Youssef stands with Sirino despite costly penalty miss – ‘He’s a big player’

Kaizer Chiefs played to a 1-1 draw with Marumo Gallants in the Premier Soccer League played on Wednesday at the FNB Stadium.

Khanyisa Mayo marked his debut for the Glamour Boys with a well-taken goal in the first half, before Bahlabane Ba Ntwa struck late into the match, courtesy of Jason Clifford, to ensure spoils were shared.

However, the game could have taken a different twist had Gaston Sirino scored from the penalty spot in the 45th minute. However, Washington Arubi guessed right and ensured the 34-year-old's kick didn't hit the back of the net.

It could have been his sixth goal since joining the Soweto giants as a free agent after cutting ties with Mamelodi Sundowns before the beginning of the 2024/25 campaign. The veteran versatile attacker has made six assists.

We know Sirino's quality

Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Khalil Ben Youssef has since lauded Sirino for his influence on the team and tipped him to deliver in the forthcoming assignments. The tactician has further refused to blame the South American for the missed spot-kick.

“I saw a difference, when I made the substitution, I saw all the fans were happy for Sirino [instead of showing their anger for the missed penalty], shouting his name,” he opened up in a presser.

“Sirino is a big player, he’s one of the important players for us with big experience, he’s not the first or last player to miss a penalty – he tried to do his best, but the keeper from Marumo Gallants was ready to save the ball.

“He’ll continue to work [hard]. Like I said Sirino is so confident, and we know with his quality he will help this team,” Ben Youssef concluded. 

On Saturday, Kaizer Chiefs host Kabuscorp in the second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup at the FNB Stadium. The Angolan outfit claimed a 1-0 win in the first meeting.