Thembonkosi Lorch during his final season with Pirates. Image: (@ThembinkosiLorch/Instagram)
‘Next chapter of my career’: Lorch on leaving Pirates for Sundowns
‘It is with a mix of emotions that I announce my departure from Orlando Pirates FC’: Thembinkosi Lorch opens up about joining Sundowns.
Thembonkosi Lorch during his final season with Pirates. Image: (@ThembinkosiLorch/Instagram)
South African-born soccer player Thembinkosi Lorch left Orlando Pirates for Mamelodi Sundowns this past weekend. In an Instagram post shared on Saturday, 27 January, he officially announced his exit from the sea stealers and said he looked forward to his future with his new team.
THEMBONKOSI LORCH LEAVES ORLANDO PIRATES FOR SUNDOWNS
Thembinkosi Lorch is one of Sundowns’ newest addition to the team. The 30-year-old soccer star joins the star-studded Sundowns side after also recently signing Argentinian star Matias Esquivel and defender Zuko Mdunyelwa.
“It is with a mix of emotions that I announce my departure from Orlando Pirates FC. My time has been filled with unforgettable memories, personal growth, and the chance to play alongside very talented football players,” Lorch wrote on his feed.
“I extend my deepest appreciation to the Chairman, Dr Irvin Khoza, for providing me with the opportunity to play for a club that has so much history and for all your support during the difficult times in my life. Thank you to Coach José Riveiro for his belief in me, the former and current coaches and the staff, the entire management team and my teammates for all the memories we have built together,” he added.
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According to The Citizen, the transfer has been a while in the making, dating as far back as October 2022. Early morning on Saturday, 27 January, Sundowns welcomed Thembinkosi Lorch to their team as seen in an Instagram post.
Taking to their feed, Sundowns wrote: “Former South African Player of the Season Thembinkosi Lorch joins Masandawana! 🙌 Let’s welcome our newest addition 🟡”.
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Meanwhile, on his feed, Lorch penned: “I am looking forward to this next chapter of my career with Mamelodi Sundowns FC. I will do my best to support my new teammates and contribute towards the club’s success.”
“Thank you to the Chairman of Mamelodi Sundowns, the management team, Coach Rulani, and his successful technical team for having confidence in me joining this prestigious team,” the soccer star wrote.
