Kaizer Chiefs are gearing up for back-to-back Soweto Derbies against Orlando Pirates, starting with the Betway Premiership showdown on May 3, followed by the Nedbank Cup final a week later.
While preparing for these high-stakes clashes, an intriguing opinion has surfaced regarding Chiefs midfielder Gaston Sirino. The midfielder, sitting on three yellow cards before the weekend’s match, was booked in the goalless draw against Chippa United.
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Insiders close to Amakhosi have indicated that this yellow card might have been tactical to avoid the risk of suspension and ensure Sirino's availability for both derbies.
"I don't want to say whether it was (intentionally) planned or not. But you know Sirino was sitting on three yellow cards and if he didn't get a yellow card against Chippa United he could have probably get a yellow card against Marumo Gallants on Saturday and miss the Soweto Derby in the league on May 3. So he got a yellow card in the Chippa game and he will now be able to play in both the Soweto derbies. I think he did it on purpose. He didn't want to miss the Soweto Derby whether that is the league game or the Nedbank Cup. As long as he doesn't get a red card in the first one he will play in both of them. It was well planned. That I can tell you," the insider shared a personal opinion with the Siya crew.
A second insider suggested that more players might follow suit by sitting out the Marumo Gallants fixture to save themselves for the important Soweto Derby matches, though that wouldn't be due to suspensions.
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"Don't be surprised if there will be changes and other players placed in reserve against Marumo so that they can be available for the Derby on May 3. Some could miss one and play the other Derby while others could play both depending on the yellow cards against Marumo Gallants on Saturday. So for Sirino, he helped himself out and made sure he plays in both derbies, " the second source told Soccer Laduma.
Chiefs, currently sitting eighth on the Betway Premiership table with 31 points and with five games to go, are pushing for a top-eight finish. They host Marumo Gallants at FNB Stadium on Saturday, April 27.
Soccer Laduma contacted Chiefs for official comment on these emerging claims, but there was no response at the time of publication.
