Mamelodi Sundowns forward Gaston Sirino says coach Pitso Mosimane made it easy for him to adjust to the physicality of playing in the Absa Premiership.

The 29-year-old joined the Brazilians on 17 January 2018 after making the switch from Bolivian outfit Bolivar, where he scored two goals and assisted a further two from 29 appearances to help them lift the Copa Libertadores.

Since coming to South Africa, Sirino has been a regular starter under Mosimane and has managed to feature 90 times, while bagging a total of 22 goals and assisting a further 26 in the process.

Speaking to the club’s official website, Sirino opened up about his move to the Brazilians after winning the league with Bolivar in Bolivia.

‘I was looking for a new challenge after winning the league with Bolivar. I had heard there was interest in me from a club in South Africa. In South America we hear very little about South African football, so I had to look into the club and its history. I called my agent and asked him what he thought of the club.

‘He told me about the Champions League victory and the success the club enjoyed. That was enough for me to take up the challenge and explore this opportunity under the guidance of Coach Pitso, who made me feel welcome and made it easy for me to adjust to the league and my teammates.’

The Uruguayan forward also revealed how football in South Africa compares to playing in South America, admitting that he had to adjust to the physical nature of the Absa Premiership.

‘It is different, here the football is a lot more physical. It took me some time to adjust to the physicality and speed at first. Coach Pitso helped me a lot here and allowed me the time to adjust and never rushed me,’ he added.

The former CD San Luis de Quillota forward added his favourite moment with Sundowns was when they won the 2017-18 league campaign.

‘Lifting the trophy in the 2017-18 season, coming from another league and winning the PSL was a big moment for me, and justified my reason for joining the club,’ he concluded.