Khalil Ben Youssef has defended Gaston Sirino after the Kaizer Chiefs attacker missed two clear chances in the 1-1 Betway Premiership draw with Marumo Gallants.
Khanyisa opened the scoring for Amakhosi at the FNB Stadium with 39 minutes on the clock, but Jaisen Clifford secured a share of the spoils with his 75th-minute equaliser.
Sirino wasted a chance to extend Chiefs’ lead on the stroke of half-time when he saw his penalty saved by Gallants stopper Washington Arubi.
He then also skied another clear goal-scoring opportunity early in the second half before being substituted and replaced with Mduduzi Shabalala.
Speaking after the game, Youssef refuted suggestions the Uruguayan was booed off the field by Chiefs’ supporters.
He added that Sirino still has a big part to play this season, especially as they prepare to face Angolan side Kabuscorp in the second leg of their CAF Confederation Cup First preliminary qualifier at the weekend.
The interim co-head coach said in the Citizen: “I saw fans that were happy with Sirino when we made the substitutions, they were saying ‘Sirino, Sirino!’.
“He is a big player, an important player for us. He has a lot of experience, he is not the first player or the last to miss a penalty, he tried his best but the Gallants keeper was ready and saved the ball.
“Sirino is confident and knows his quality will help the team.”
Chiefs head into Saturday’s CAF encounter 1-0 down from the first leg. It was the first time the club had lost to an Angolan side in their history.
“I think the next game is very important. I hope on Saturday we will win and qualify for the next round,” added Ben Youssef.