Khalil Ben Youssef explains Durban City forward Gaston Sirino's fitness situation

Head coach Khalil Ben Youssef explained that the experienced attacker was not included in the starting line-up for the club's league opener against Sekhukhune United because he had been recovering from a slight fitness setback. Instead, Sirino was introduced during the second half as Durban City eased him back into action.

According to Ben Youssef, the injury reduced the amount of work Sirino could complete during pre-season, prompting the club to take a measured approach before giving him a larger role.

The Uruguayan arrived as a free agent after departing Kaizer Chiefs, where he previously worked under Ben Youssef. That existing relationship has given the coach a clear understanding of the qualities Sirino can offer.

Ben Youssef believes the veteran forward adds invaluable know-how to the squad, describing his level of experience as unmatched within the team.

"Sirino was injured," Khalil explained after the match.

"Sirino started to train only three training sessions this week. He was two weeks out, so he's not able to play 90 minutes. So, for that, we keep him for the second half.

"I think the plan of the game, it was to choose [Jean] Lwamba because we need someone who is more mobile.

"About the mobility of Lwamba, he is fast, and he can give us solutions in the deep, and it was the plan of the first half if you see how many balls he received behind the line of defence."