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Sundowns coach on star striker Sirino wearing Al Ahly jersey: 'I don't think it was appropriate'

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Gaston Sirino (Gallo Images)
Gaston Sirino (Gallo Images)

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Manqoba Mngqithi Thursday reacted to images of attacker Gaston Sirino wearing an Al Ahly jersey immediately after their 2-0 first-leg defeat in the CAF Champions League in Cairo last weekend.

Sirino, who was substituted in the 68th minute, was pictured wearing an Al Ahly jersey immediately after the final whistle after swapping shirts with an opposing player.

"I would prefer not to comment," Manqoba Mngqithi said, "because it's outside the perimeters of what we would appreciate having to talk about.

"But I don't think it was appropriate for him to do that but it is something that I wouldn't want to dwell much on at this stage.

"I want to focus more on the match instead of focusing on the negative things that may affect us before the match."

"The same player who I could say something negative about now can go on to do something on Saturday to make us win the match."
Manqoba Mngqithi

The Uruguayan had admitted that he would welcome a transfer to the Egyptian giants, who showed an interest in signing him, while he also praising head coach Pitso Mosimane.

"It's always good that a big team like Al Ahly to be interested in me," Sirino told Sky News Arabia.

"I'm very focused to keep playing well and then we’ll see what happens.

"I want to thank the Al Ahly fans for their love. It would be a great challenge if I could someday wear this shirt.

"Pitso is the coach that achieved great things at Sundowns, and he deserves to be where he is now. He knows us well but we are ready for him and we have a strong team to go ahead in the Champions League. Mosimane will play a great game against us."

Mosimane also previously also admitted that inquiries had been made for the services of Sirino with Sundowns rejecting a transfer offer.

"There are reports that Al Ahly wanted Peter Shalulile, we didn't show interest in Shalulile. You all know that Al Ahly wanted Gaston Sirino. But I kept quiet about it," he had said.

"I see Sundowns coaches have dismantled the team, but I've moved on with my life."

The two sides resume their CAF Champions League quarter-final battle at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday.

Kick-off is at 15:00.

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