Thembonkosi Lorch during his final season with Pirates. Image: (@ThembinkosiLorch/Instagram)
Lorch exit: Orlando Pirates respond to reports Khoza is fuming
Insiders have revealed that midfielder Thembinkosi Lorch had not been happy for some time at Orlando Pirates.
Thembonkosi Lorch during his final season with Pirates. Image: (@ThembinkosiLorch/Instagram)
DStv Premiership club Orlando Pirates have responded to claims that the club chairman, Irvin Khoza, is furious following midfielder Thembinkosi Lorch’s departure.
Lorch, affectionately known as “Nyoso”, officially made his move to Mamelodi Sundowns on deadline-day during the now-closed January transfer window last week.
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PIRATES DENY CLAIMS KHOZA IS NOT HAPPY WITH LORCH’S EXIT
However, Sunday World reports that Khoza tried by all means to ensure that the Bucs star player does not leave.
A Pirates insider told the publication that the 2019 PSL Footballer of the Season was offered a new contract at the club, but refused to sign because he had not been happy for some time.
“He was not willing to renew, and things were now difficult for him at Pirates,” said the insider.
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Another source said: “Everything happened so fast. The two clubs agreed on a fee, and Lorch was told that a deal was done with Sundowns.
“He had been unhappy for some time [at Pirates], and you could see with his body language, even on the field. His eyes were now on Sundowns. And more than anything, it was just a business decision – he got a massive offer, and he took it.”
According to the Buccaneers media officer, Thandi Merafe, the claims are not true.
“The narrative is completely false. The club has always been behind Thembinkosi Lorch.”
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In a statement on Friday, 26 January, Pirates confirmed that Lorch’s exit.
“Thembinkosi Lorch is to leave Orlando Pirates … after a discussion between the chairman Dr Irvin Khoza and the Mamelodi Sundowns hierarchy,” read the statement on the Pirates website.
“The club thanks ‘Nyoso’ for his immense contribution by adding another page in the history of the club. We wish him and his family well in his future sporting pursuit.”
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NYOSO’S EMOTIONAL MESSAGES
Lorch also penned an emotional message on his Instagram account at the weekend. In a lengthy statement, the midfielder thanked Khoza, Pirates management, his teammates, and the fans for the love and support.
“My time has been filled with unforgettable memories, personal growth, and the chance to play alongside very talented football players,”he said.
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He also thanked his new coach, Rulani Mokwena, and the rest of the Sundowns staff.
“I’m looking forward to this next chapter of my career with Mamelodi Sundowns, and I will do my best to support my teammates and contribute towards the club’s success.
“Thank you to the chairman of Mamelodi Sundowns, the management team, coach Rulani [Mokwena], and his successful technical team for having confidence in me joining this prestigious team.”
