Latest news with #GastonSirino
IOL News
18-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Orlando Pirates, José Riveiro tip their caps to Kaizer Chiefs
His side may have been favourites to lift the Nedbank Cup trophy, but Orlando Pirates coach José Riveiro was quick to pay tribute to Kaizer Chiefs for winning the cup final at a packed Moses Mabhida Stadium, in Durban, on Saturday. Chiefs beat Pirates 2-1 in the second Soweto Derby in the space of a week to claim their first piece of silverware in 10 years. Chiefs opened the scoring in the 10th minute when Gaston Sirino converted from the spot, but the lead was short-lived as Evidence Makgopa equalised seven minutes later. The sides remained locked at 1-1, until Yusuf Maart banged in the winner with 10 minutes remaining.
IOL News
17-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Can Kaizer Chiefs avoid a cup hangover against Sekhukhune United?
Gaston Sirino Gaston Sirino must bring the gas to ignite Kaizer Chiefs' engine room against Sekhukhune United. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Fresh off their Nedbank Cup triumph, Kaizer Chiefs are riding a wave of optimism, but Sekhukhune United are determined to be the storm cloud that threatens to rain on their parade in today's Premiership clash at the FNB Stadium. The teams enter the match with contrasting Premiership scenarios. Sekhukhune are on a five-match unbeaten run, which includes a win over highly fancied Orlando Pirates, while Chiefs are seeking to recover from a five-match winless streak. Currently seated third on the standings, Sekhukhune hold a one-point cushion over fourth-placed Stellenbosch FC. The pressure is on as they vie for a coveted CAF Confederation Cup spot with only two matches remaining. Chiefs recently found their winning touch, edging out Pirates in the Nedbank Cup final last week, but their dreadful league form has seen them suffer two consecutive defeats before this match. Currently in ninth place, Chiefs are locked in a fierce battle for a top-eight finish, separated by just three points from Polokwane City. The teams have players returning from suspension that may influence the outcome. Sekhukhune will welcome back influential midfielder Sikhosonke Langa, but must fill the void left by their leading marksman, Chibuike Ohizu, who is suspended. Chiefs will be bolstered by the return of hardworking defender Bradley Cross, although they will miss defensive stalwart Inacio Miguel through suspension. Sekhukhune coach Eric Tinkler has expressed his ambition to propel the team to continental football. 'I joined for that reason, to qualify for a CAF tournament, to be honest,' he said. 'Our target is to finish in the top three or top four. Achieving this would be a massive milestone for Sekhukhune.' On the other side, Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi remains resolute, stressing the importance of securing points against challenging opponents. 'We believe the season is not done yet. We have to fight with the same effort (as in the Nedbank final) in our last two games against difficult opponents, Polokwane City and Sekhukhune United,' he said. 'Finishing in the top eight is now our objective.' Sekhukhune's Keletso Makgalwa, who is fresh off being named the Premiership Player of the Month for April, will be the key player for the visitors. His recent performances have created a buzz, and Sekhukhune hope his form will be the difference-maker in the match. Makgalwa leads the league with 11 assists this season. Uruguayan Gaston Sirino, a quintessential component of Chiefs' attacking strategy, is the team's leading scorer with four goals and six assists this season. He can turn the tide when the Amakhosi are under pressure, and has an uncanny knack for finding the back of the net when it matters most. Still buzzing from Chiefs' triumph last weekend, defender Zitha Kwinika's hunger for more silverware drives him to power the club into the top eight. Kwinika said: 'I'm still happy and excited, because it is something we have all been looking for. 'It has lifted a bit of weight from us, but we are professionals at the end of the day. 'We must celebrate and then look to what is ahead. We still have a job at hand. 'We know we can't celebrate forever, but we take this good feeling as the start of better things, and the road to winning more trophies starts on Saturday against Sekhukhune.'
The South African
16-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs news: Gaston Sirino, Wandile Duba, Nasreddine Nabi
Kaizer Chiefs' elation of Nedbank Cup glory, ending their ten-year-trophy drought, has been restored to paranoia as the Soweto giants idle above MTN 8 qualification. Chippa United's 3-0 defeat to league winners Mamelodi Sundowns means the ball is now firmly in AmaKhosi's court, who will be guaranteed an MTN8 spot by winning their remaining two games. However, claiming eighth position will be no easy feat as they gear up to face CAF Confederation Cup chasers Sekhukhune United, who have qualification as things stand but will feel the heat of Stellenbosch, who are one point behind. With both sides having something to play for, tomorrow's game promises to be a blockbuster. Kaizer Chiefs' final game sees them face Polokwane City. After the final whistle blew at the Moses Mabhida Stadium last Saturday, crowning the Glamour Boys as Nedbank Cup champions, youngster Wandile Duba and veteran Gaston Sirino were seen weeping tears of joy. It indicates not only how much it meant but also how demanding the season has been. Rumours had been circulating about Nasreddine Nabi's future at the club before last weekend's final. The Tunisian is now a sure lock for next season, but he has some demands. 'I wouldn't be honest if say that I'm gonna stay if the club doesn't allow me to get all the tools to succeed next season because they have promised, and myself, I have promised the fans that I want to build a successful team that will compete in every competition to win trophies,' Nabi told SuperSport . 'That's the condition for me to stay [at Chiefs] because I don't feel that I want to go through what I went through this season.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Herald
12-05-2025
- Sport
- The Herald
Wild scenes at Moses Mabhida, countrywide, as Chiefs win a trophy
Soccer 12 May 2025 Sibongiseni Mthethwa does a victory dance after Kaizer Chiefs win the 2024-25 Nedbank Cup final against Orlando Pirates at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday. Image: Gerhard Duraan/BackpagePix Kaizer Chiefs ended their trophy drought on the cusp of it becoming a decade with their 2-1 Nedbank Cup final victory against arch-foes Orlando Pirates at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday. Such a huge result for the club, bringing to an end their excruciatingly long barren spell for the once trophy machines and some relief to embattled coach Nasreddine Nabi, prompted wild scenes of celebration on the pitch and in the stands. Gaston Sirino put Chiefs ahead early from a 10th-minute penalty before Makgopa's 17th-minute equaliser. Yusuf Maart scored the 80th-minute winner.
TimesLIVE
11-05-2025
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
Wild scenes at Moses Mabhida, countrywide, as Chiefs win a trophy
Kaizer Chiefs ended their trophy drought on the cusp of it becoming a decade with their 2-1 Nedbank Cup final victory against arch-foes Orlando Pirates at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday. Such a huge result for the club, bringing to an end their excruciatingly long barren spell for the once trophy machines and some relief to embattled coach Nasreddine Nabi, prompted wild scenes of celebration on the pitch and in the stands. Gaston Sirino put Chiefs ahead early from a 10th-minute penalty before Makgopa's 17th-minute equaliser. Yusuf Maart scored the 80th-minute winner.
