Kaizer Chiefs Player Ratings: Sirino Shines, McCarthy Injury Blow Mars Promising Display
- Kaizer Chiefs secured their third straight PSL victory, maintaining second place on the log
- Gaston Sirino scored the decisive goal, sending a strong warning to his former club, Mamelodi Sundowns
- Briefly News had an exclusive interview with analyst Brighton Bafana, who praised Chiefs’ newfound balance and depth, despite an injury setback
Kaizer Chiefs continued their impressive start to the 2025/26 Premier Soccer League campaign with a hard-fought victory over Richards Bay at FNB Stadium. This victory maintained their second-place position and secured their third successive win.
Source: Getty Images
Amakhosi are still without their first-team coach, Nasreddine Nabi, who is attending to a family emergency in Tunisia.
Speaking exclusively to Briefly News, football analyst Brighton Bafana and stated that Kaizer Chiefs are beginning to show a level of consistency that has been missing in recent seasons.
“What stands out for me is the structure and discipline in this Chiefs side. They aren’t just grinding out results; they’re showing balance between defence and attack,” Bafana explained.
PAY ATTENTION: stay informed and follow us on Google News!
Sirino’s standout performance
One of the talking points from the clash was former Mamelodi Sundowns star player Gaston Sirino, who scored the decisive goal. Bafana says the Uruguayan has already proven to be a game-changer.
“Sirino looked sharp, hungry and determined. That goal was a clear warning shot to his former club, Mamelodi Sundowns. Chiefs finally have a player who can produce moments of magic in tight games,” he noted.
Sirino’s impact was complemented by Wandile Duba, who supplied the crucial assist.
Defensive resilience and midfield control
The Amakhosi defence was once again solid, with Aden McCarthy and Inacio Miguel impressing before McCarthy was forced off with a hamstring concern.
“It’s a blow losing McCarthy because he has been one of the most composed young defenders in the league. But overall, Chiefs look much more organised at the back compared to last season,” Bafana observed.
In midfield, Thabo Cele dictated the tempo, while Glody Lilepo added attacking spark on the wings.
“Cele’s ability to keep the ball moving is what gives Chiefs that calmness in possession. Lilepo, on the other hand, has become a real menace for defenders; he stretches teams and creates space for the forwards,” Bafana added.
Early-season momentum
Despite some shaky individual performances, including a quiet evening for Mduduzi Shabalala, Bafana insists the team’s collective improvement is what matters most.
“What’s encouraging is that even when one or two players aren’t at their best, others step up. That depth and mentality are something we haven’t associated with Chiefs in a long time,” he said.
Looking ahead, Bafana believes consistency will be the key.
“Chiefs fans should be excited. Three wins in a row is not just a good run; it’s a statement. If they keep this up, they’ll be serious title contenders,” Bafana concluded.
Kaizer Chiefs' next match would be against the defending champions, Mamelodi Sundowns, with Miguel Cardoso seeking revenge after his team was controversially knocked of the Nedbank Cup by the Soweto giants last season.
Source: Getty Images
Chiefs assistant coach speaks on what he did in the second half
Briefly News previously reported that Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Khalil Ben Youssef has disclosed how the gamble he took in the second half helped Amakhosi secure a well-deserved victory against Richards Bay in the Betway Premiership on Tuesday evening.
The Soweto giants struggled for most of the first half, but the introduction of former Mamelodi Sundowns star Gaston Sirino changed the game in the second half.
PAY ATTENTION: Follow Briefly News on Twitter and never miss the hottest topics! Find us at @brieflyza!
Source: Briefly News
