Gaston Sirino looks set to be reunited with former Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef, with the Uruguayan playmaker closing in on a free transfer to Durban City.
The 35-year-old left Naturena at the end of June after Amakhosi opted against renewing his contract, bringing an end to a two-year spell in Soweto that included a Nedbank Cup triumph but was ultimately hampered by injuries and inconsistent game time.
Sirino agreed terms with the KwaZulu-Natal outfit, with the player already in Durban ready to start afresh and add much-needed experience to their squad heading into the CAF Confederation Cup next season.
The move represents a reunion for Sirino and Ben Youssef, who worked together during their time at Chiefs before the coach made the switch to Durban City earlier this year.
That familiarity is thought to have been central to persuading the Uruguayan to choose the coastal club ahead of other suitors, with Sekhukhune United, managed by another former Chiefs co-coach in Cedric Kaze, also credited with an interest in his signature.
A proven PSL performer
Sirino arrives in Durban with a wealth of experience in South African football. He spent seven years at Mamelodi Sundowns after being brought to the country by Pitso Mosimane, winning a string of honours and establishing himself as one of the league’s most creative attacking midfielders, highlighted by a 13-goal, 10-assist haul in the 2019/20 season.
His switch to Chiefs in August 2024 initially looked to be paying off, with Sirino contributing a goal and five assists in his first campaign and netting in the 2025 Nedbank Cup final at Moses Mabhida Stadium as Amakhosi ended a decade-long trophy drought.
His second season, however, was disrupted by injury, limiting him to just over 800 minutes of action and one goal and two assists across all competitions.
The move adds further experience to City – reshaped for the 2026/27 campaign, with the club having already confirmed the exits of nine players and the permanent capture of midfielder Kyle Jurgens from Stellenbosch.
Winger Gomolemo Khoto and Seth Green have also been acquired – both from Orlando Pirates.