In a candid interview with KickOff, Dominic Isaacs highlighted a glaring disparity between Kaizer Chiefs and their rivals, Mamelodi Sundowns. Isaacs believes that while Chiefs have talent, they lack a “field general” to dictate the tempo of the game.
1. The Comparison: Allende and Zwane
Isaacs used the examples of Marcelo Allende and Themba Zwane to illustrate what the Glamour Boys are currently lacking.
- The “Boss” Factor: Isaacs noted that Allende acts as the tactical anchor for Sundowns, a player who commands the midfield and provides a “go-to” option under pressure.
- The “Zwane” Effect: He emphasized how both Sundowns and Bafana Bafana suffer a visible drop in quality when Themba Zwane is absent—a level of influence no current Chiefs midfielder possesses.
2. The Sirino Conundrum
The most pointed part of Isaacs’ critique focused on Gaston Sirino. Despite Sirino’s pedigree and proven ability to “unlock” the most stubborn defenses, his minutes on the pitch have been inconsistent.
“Sirino is a player you can’t waste on the bench,” Isaacs stated. “He is a one-of-a-kind player. He unlocks tight and deep-lying defences, but you also need to complement him with ball players.”
3. Tactical Mismatch?
Isaacs suggests that the problem isn’t just Sirino’s fitness or form, but the personnel surrounding him. To get the best out of a creative “10” like Sirino, the team requires:
- Ball-playing partners: Midfielders who can keep possession and feed Sirino in dangerous areas.
- Regular game time: Building the team’s rhythm around his vision rather than using him as a reactive substitute.
Is Sirino Being Wasted?
Statistically, Sirino remains one of the most efficient creative players in the Betway Premiership. However, the Kaizer Chiefs technical team has often opted for a more industrious, defensive-minded midfield to provide stability, frequently leaving Sirino as an “impact sub.”
The Dilemma: If Chiefs continue to play without a “midfield boss,” they risk being outplayed by technically superior teams. If they start Sirino without the right support, they risk being overrun defensively.
