“Lorch has been wanting to leave for a long time”- Orlando Pirates insider

Thembinkosi Lorch leaving Orlando Pirates for Mamelodi Sundowns dominated the headlines last week.

READ | PIRATES INSIDER REVEALS DETAILS OF KHOZA AND LORCH DEPARTURE DISCUSSION

Sundowns shocked the South African football fraternity by swooping in for Lorch, with Pirates releasing him on transfer deadline day. 

READ | (WATCH) BOMBSHELL: ANDILE JALI’S AGENT REVEALS PLAYER’S FATE AT MOROKA SWALLOWS

Despite already cruising in the DStv Premiership, Sundowns were the most active side in the January window. The Brazilians already have a nine-point gap on second placed Cape Town City, with three games in hand. Thad did not stop them from pursuing a squad boost ahead of the second half of the season. Of course for them, they also have to factor continental commitments with hopes of a Club FIFA World Cup too. 

READ | KAIZER CHIEFS SET TO SACRIFICE ITUMELENG KHUNE FOR THIS GOALKEEPER

Now with that on the horizon, Sundowns went and signed the Likes of Zukho Mdunyelwa, Matias Esquivel. Then when everybody thought that they had strengthened enough, they add Lorch and Tashreeq Matthews. It was the signing of a talisman from their rivals, Pirates, which garnered the most headlines. ‘Nyoso’ has since sent a departure message to the Bucs. 

READ | KAIZER CHIEFS ALREADY SET TO LOSE KEY MAN EDSON CASTILLO?

But before Lorch could leave Pirates for Sundowns, he had to sit down for some staunch talks with Irvin Khoza. Sources speaking to The Citizen revealed the nature of that discussion. 

Lorch’s mind was already away from Pirates

“Lorch has been wanting to leave the club (Pirates) for some time. It’s just that the management were not keen to let him go, but it’s football, things happen. At first, Khoza was not happy with the idea of Lorch leaving, he was very upset. He didn’t really understand why someone like him would want to let everything go and start afresh.” Said the source to the publication.

READ | REVEALED | HOW MUCH THEMBINKOSI LORCH COULD EARN AT MAMELODI SUNDOWNS

Sundowns will view the signing of Lorch, a talisman of their rivals as huge statement of intent. It remains to be seen how he fares at Chloorkop. The move also ended lengthy speculation on the player’s next destination, a common rumour every transfer window.