‘Chiefs have talented players but no ambition! Only Kasi football’ – Sirino warned

Published on by Willis Sob, updated on

Former Kaizer Chiefs forward Leonardo Castro claims he has already told Gaston Sirino not to expect the type of game and competitiveness he was used to at Mamelodi Sundowns.

The South American joined Amakhosi from Masandawana a couple of weeks ago, signing an initial two-year deal with the Glamour Boys.

He is part of Nasreddine Nabi's project after Chiefs' 10th-place finish in the 2023/24 Premier Soccer League 

Chiefs can't be compared with Sundowns

While at Masandawana, Sirino won nine major titles, but Amakhosi have gone nine seasons without a taste of glory.

“Sirino was at Sundowns for almost seven years, winning trophies every season, and has the experience that you cannot buy,” Castro told SNL24.

“But going to Chiefs is going to be a different experience and you cannot compare it with the budget of Sundowns. Everyone knows about the power of money at Sundowns, where they bought a player from Argentina [Matias Esquivel] and then moved him back a few months later.

Gaston Sirino Image Kaizer Chiefs

“Other teams in South Africa don’t have the same budget as Sundowns and that is the truth. So, they can’t compete with regard to money. When you have the capacity to play a lot of players, you get to have a better squad.

“I see Chiefs have signed another defender [Inacio Miguel] and I hope it goes well for them and I wish him [Sirino] all the best because I still have a relationship with him,” he continued.

Chiefs will treat you well but some players lack ambitions

Castro further alludes Chiefs love to give youngsters chances which will make it hard to win titles. He stated some players fancy Kasi football and lack ambition.

“I have told Gaston the truth about Chiefs, and he knows it. Chiefs is a club that will treat you well and Gaston has already felt it. The truth is that if Chiefs want to play with youngsters, then it is going to be difficult to compete against the experience and quality of Sundowns, who are competing in Africa,” the ex-forward continued.

Kaizer Chiefs
Kaizer Chiefs players, Image – Kaizer Chiefs

“You cannot be celebrating kasi football players at Chiefs because that is for Sunday League Football and not professional soccer. Soccer is about being quick in making decisions and some players need to have the hunger and desire to see themselves moving beyond Chiefs.

“Siyabonga Ngezana and Njabulo Blom were also listening and worked hard to move abroad, but other players are still just enjoying being there even when not playing regularly. There are players with talent but no ambition at Chiefs.”

Nabi pointed out he needs experience in his squad which explains why he has signed a few players to help him achieve his targets.

‘Chiefs have talented players but no ambition! Only Kasi football’ – Sirino warned

Willis Sob

Willis Sob is an experienced journalist who has been in the game since 2009, covering major assignments around the continent.
His hunger for African football is unmatched, always getting the best angles and facts to feed the fans and quench their thirst.