Mosimane praises Sirino

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane has heaped praise on midfielder Gaston Sirino‚ whose dazzling display helped the Brazilians narrowly beat AS Togo-Port 2-1 in the Caf Champions League at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Friday night.

Sirino scored the opener and provided the assist for the second for Sibusiso Vilakazi in the first half as Sundowns moved to second spot in Group C. Mosimane has challenged the Uruguayan to carry the team in the absence of departed stars Percy Tau and Khama Billiat.

“I have been waiting for this performance from him and this was his kind of game‚” said Mosimane after the victory that restored Downs’ Champions League campaign‚ lifting them off Group C’s bottom place.

“He came out of his shell and he turned it on from the first minute. He carried the team and probably it is because the other two guys who have always carried the team [Tau and Billiat] are not around.

“Normally it was Percy who used to turn the volume up most of the times and I am also happy with the goal he scored.”

Mosimane said Sirino is capable of playing a big part for the club in the coming season where Sundowns will be looking to defend their Premiership title and recapture their 2016 Champions League title.

Togo-Port coach Agoro Tchagodomou accepted the result but advised Mosimane that there is still a lot to play for in the remaining rounds of the group stages.