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Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Gaston Sirino has sent a powerful message to the club’s supporters ahead of this weekend’s much-anticipated Nedbank Cup semifinal clash against Orlando Pirates — “We will rise to the occasion.”
The experienced Uruguayan, who joined Chiefs at the start of the season, is looking to cap off his debut campaign with a winner’s medal and help end the club’s 10-year trophy drought. Chiefs go into the clash under immense pressure, with their passionate fanbase desperate for a return to glory.
“I’m feeling good,” Sirino said. “It’s a good opportunity to win a trophy, which is what I am here for. Everybody, including me, needs to take responsibility. We must play better than them and control the game.”
Reflecting on last weekend’s loss to Pirates, Sirino emphasized the importance of limiting costly mistakes: “We have played well in many games but also made mistakes that have cost us. We can’t afford that on Saturday. Our concentration has to be fully focused for the whole game.”
Sirino acknowledged the emotional burden carried by Amakhosi supporters, whose loyalty has gone unrewarded for years.
“When you play for Kaizer Chiefs, it’s different. The pressure is greater because the support is bigger and so are the expectations,” he said. “We want to win for our supporters. I’m happy the stadium will be full. I like the pressure. We are preparing well to rise to the occasion.”
Now 34, Sirino admits he hasn’t always delivered the goals and assists fans hoped for but remains determined: “Sometimes I’ve played well with no assist or goals. I need to improve that. But it’s not for lack of effort. We know what this means to our fans, and we’ll fight until the last whistle.”
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