Why Hugo Broos refuses to call up Kaizer Chiefs star for Bafana Bafana despite strong form.
Bafana head coach Broos has made it clear that naturalised player Gaston Sirino will not be joining the South African national team for their upcoming AFCON qualifiers. Despite Sirino’s strong performances with Kaizer Chiefs, Broos has opted for younger players to fill the gap left by Themba Zwane’s injury. Here’s why Broos isn’t considering the Uruguayan-born playmaker for the crucial matches against Uganda and South Sudan.
Broos speaks: Sirino not in Bafana’s plans
Bafana Bafana’s quest to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is on the line as they face Uganda and South Sudan in their final group stage matches this month. However, despite the mounting calls for the inclusion of Gaston Sirino—who holds a South African passport—Broos has remained firm in his decision not to select the 33-year-old.
Sirino, a former Mamelodi Sundowns star, has been in impressive form for Kaizer Chiefs, scoring two goals and providing four assists in the 2024/2025 season. Yet, Broos is clear about his reasoning for leaving Sirino out of the squad.
Zwane’s injury creates void
The absence of key playmaker Themba Zwane, sidelined for months due to an Achilles injury from the recent AFCON qualifier against Congo, has created a significant gap in South Africa’s midfield. Zwane, a crucial part of Bafana Bafana’s setup, has been instrumental in creating chances and linking play.
With Bafana Bafana needing just two points from their final qualifiers to secure a place in the 2025 tournament in Morocco, Sirino’s name was mentioned as a possible replacement. However, this is why Hugo Broos quickly shut down that possibility, explaining his decision in an honest and straightforward manner:
“No, I have to be honest,” Broos said when asked about calling up Sirino, as quoted by FARPost.
“I know that Sirino is a very good player. I know also that he can be very important for Chiefs, but he is not really the type of player I want. Secondly, he is also 34, I think.”
Broos focuses on youth over experience
Despite Sirino’s good form, Broos emphasised that he has been actively searching for younger talent to bolster the team’s midfield. He believes in the importance of building for the future rather than relying on older players, especially when players like Themba Zwane—who is also in his 30s—are already a part of the team.
“So I have been looking for months to have somebody younger than Themba [Zwane] because he is old, so I don’t go there [selecting old players] because I want to find younger [ones] than Sirino even if he is a good player, but he doesn’t really match my ideas of football.”
Broos’ emphasis on youth reflects his long-term vision for the team, focusing on players who can contribute not only in the short term but also build towards a successful future for Bafana Bafana.
South Africa’s AFCON road
Bafana Bafana currently sit second in their AFCON qualification group with 8 points, just two behind Uganda who lead the standings. With only two points needed to secure qualification, Broos’ squad faces a pivotal double-header this month, starting with an away match against Uganda on November 15, followed by a home clash against South Sudan on November 19.
Despite the absence of key players like Zwane, Broos remains confident in his team’s ability to secure the necessary points. The coach’s clear focus on youth and his tactical approach to the qualifiers are central to his vision for Bafana Bafana’s success in 2025.
Broos sticks to his vision despite Sirino’s talent
While Gaston Sirino’s omission from the squad may raise eyebrows, Hugo Broos’ decision reflects a larger strategy focused on building a sustainable, youthful team for Bafana Bafana’s future. Broos has made it clear that despite Sirino’s ability to make an impact, his approach to team-building and long-term goals outweighs the need for experience at the moment.
South Africa looks to secure their spot in the 2025 AFCON tournament, fans will be watching closely to see how Broos’ vision unfolds and whether his youth-focused strategy pays off on the field.
Stay tuned with The South African as we investigate why Hugo Broos refuses to call up Kaizer Chiefs star.
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