Al Ahly's interest in Gaston Sirino has nothing to do with Pitso Mosimane

by Bertin Basson

Friday Dec 04, 2020. 14:00

Al Ahly’s interest in Gaston Sirino has nothing to do with Pitso Mosimane, the South African coach proclaimed on Thursday.

The Egyptian giants continue to be linked with the Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder and Mosimane has confirmed that there has been talks between the two teams, with Sirino having recently expressed his desire to join Mosimane in Cairo.

Mosimane, though, was quick to point out that the Red Devils’ interest in the Sundowns playmaker predates his arrival at the club.

“All you guys [the media] know that Al Ahly have been asking about Sirino when I was at Sundowns. It’s a fact‚” Mosimane told the South African Football Journalists’ Association (Safja) in a digital press conference.

“It’s just a perception that I’m the one who wants Sirino at Al Ahly‚ because I’m in the hotseat. It will always link to me. I’m not angry about it … that it’s been linked to me. No‚ it has been there.

He continued: “And I was the one who said to Sirino: ‘No‚ don’t go‚ stay here [at Sundowns] – let’s win the second star’‚ and all that.

“And before I came to Ahly there was: ‘Sirino‚ Sirino’‚ and there’s still‚ ‘Sirino’‚ because Ahly want him‚ they know him – because he played against them. Yes‚ Ahly want Sirino‚ Ahly like Sirino. Ahly spoke to Mamelodi Sundowns officially‚ and all that. I don’t want to tell you a lot of things‚ because there are many that have happened.”

Sundowns were quick to reject Al Ahly’s offer for Sirino’s services but despite the South African transfer window having already closed, the 29-year-old could still secure a move to the Caf Champions League champions as the Egyptian window only closes on Sunday.

Sirino directly contributed to 23 goals in 41 appearances across all competitions last season as Sundowns claimed a domestic treble.