Lorch Orlando Pirates Sundowns

Former Kaizer Chiefs star Junior Khnaye sends a message to Orlando Pirates midfielder Thembinkosi Lorch. Image Source: (@OrlandoPirates/Twitter)

How Lorch almost swapped Orlando Pirates for Kaizer Chiefs

Thembinkosi Lorch sealed a high-profile switch from Orlando Pirates to Sundowns but it could all have been so different.

Lorch Orlando Pirates Sundowns

Former Kaizer Chiefs star Junior Khnaye sends a message to Orlando Pirates midfielder Thembinkosi Lorch. Image Source: (@OrlandoPirates/Twitter)

Thembinkosi Lorch sealed a deadline-day switch from Orlando Pirates to Sundowns. However, not so long ago he could have ended up at Naturena with Kaizer Chiefs.

BAFANA: AFCON quarter-final prize money revealed

SPINE OF STEEL: FIVE key Bafana Bafana stars in AFCON glory quest


Kaizer Chiefs were offered a chance to sign Lorch

According to Phakaaathi sources, Orlando Pirates offered controversial attacker Thembinkosi Lorch to Chiefs before he eventually sealed his lucrative Sundowns move. This was owing to the increasingly fractured relationship between the player and the Buccaneers hierarchy. Bucs management isn’t surprised that Lorch, who became unhappy with his situation at the club, has moved on.

ICYMI: How Kaizer Chiefs can easily save R22.8 Million per year

AFCON QFs: One KEY player for each nation

Lorch Pirates Chiefs
Lorch trains while at Pirates: Image via Facebook @ Orlando Pirates Football Club

Lorch’s situation became untenable

“Look, people are still talking about the transfer now but they could see that Lorch was no longer happy,” the source told The Citizen.

“He should have gone last year already and the move didn’t materialise. I know for a fact that he was also offered to Chiefs last year and again this year before Sundowns signed him.

“He was also willing to go to Chiefs provided that they offer him a better package but it looks like they were not really interested in signing him. It was discussed internally but in the end, no offer was made”

ICYMI: Twist in Lorch’s move from Orlando Pirates to Sundowns revealed

OPEN LETTER: Benni McCarthy, please leave Man United


Meanwhile, hit up James Freemantle for more insights, analysis and love for the beautiful game.

Also, follow The South African on X for up-to-the-minute news updates.