TV pundit and former player Mark Haskins has expressed skepticism about Gaston Sirino's prospects of finding a new club, suggesting that the Uruguayan-born player may have passed his prime.
Sirino, who was released by Mamelodi Sundowns after a series of less impactful seasons, has struggled to secure a new team despite his impressive track record with the seven-time league champions.
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Sirino had joined Sundowns in January 2018 during Pitso Mosimane's tenure as coach and quickly became an integral part of the team, forming a dynamic partnership with Themba Zwane. Over his six-year stint, Sirino made 202 appearances, scored 41 goals, and providing 44 assists, contributing to the team's haul of 10 titles.
However, his performance in the last season was less pronounced, with only five goals in 24 appearances across all competitions. Despite this, Sirino has not been short of interest, with major South African clubs like Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, as well as teams from North Africa and the Middle East, reportedly keen on acquiring his services.
During a discussion on Sports Night Amplified with Andile, Haskins commented on the challenges aging players face in maintaining their peak form.
"I'm not surprised, and it's no disrespect to the player but we just spoke about it now. We spoke about players who have gone beyond their peak and teams sign them at that point," Haskins told Sports Night Amplified with Andile.
"Is Sirino, going to peak? Is he beyond his peak? Are we still going to see the Sirino of old that was dominating the league? I think unfortunately those years are behind him."
Haskins also reflected on the broader implications of signing players who may no longer be at their best.
"I don't think he is going to light up the league the way he did. I don't know about that, I mean, there's still quality there, he is definitely going to have a certain amount of quality. But is he going to get better and better as the seasons go? I don't think so.
"I think he is now, and I say this very respectfully because I hope for the best and I don't wish for any player to get worse or whatever, but is he going to get better from this point on or is he kind of on a decline?" Haskins added.
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This perspective is particularly relevant for Kaizer Chiefs, who have historically prided themselves on prizing players away from rivals like Sundowns. Haskins noted that Chiefs have occasionally missed the mark in their recruitment phases, often signing players who are past their peak.
"Unfortunately, the players Kaizer Chiefs (signed) in the past weren't at their peak, they were beyond their peak and I feel like that's possibility why, maybe teams have learnt from their mistakes of the past.
"So, maybe that's why he is not getting those calls," Haskins said.
Despite the challenges, Sirino's career at Sundowns had its highlights, such as the hat-trick he scored in a 6-1 victory over NB La Masia in the last 32 of the Nedbank Cup last season, showcasing his enduring skill and impact on the field.
