Orlando Pirates star Thembinkosi Lorch. Image: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix
Lorch: What’s the point of a superstar footballer who never plays football?
Thembinkosi Lorch completed his move from Orlando Pirates to Sundowns last week. The Buccaneers might just have done something very smart.
Orlando Pirates star Thembinkosi Lorch. Image: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix
Thembinkosi Lorch produced intermittent moments of brilliance with Orlando Pirates, but is that enough to make him reliable? Sundowns is his next destination.
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WHAT’S THE POINT OF A MATCH-WINNER IF HE NEVER PLAYS MATCHES?
We keep hearing Lorch was a key player and “superstar” for the Buccaneers but was that even true? Even when he was in the side, his direct output of goals and assists has dwindled drastically to the point where he’s no longer a reliable option in any shape or form.
Lorch hasn’t managed more than ONE goal in any of his last four completed DStv Premiership campaigns. He’s also made just 45 appearances in the last three completed seasons, that’s exactly half the matches. He has no goals from eight league matches this term. Losing Lorch will sting for Pirates fans, no question, but they’re better off without him in the long term. At Sundowns the competition for places is even more intense so there’s absolutely no guarantee for regular minutes for the 30-year-old. That’s assuming he stays fit of course.
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ORLANDO PIRATES CHAPTER IS OVER FOR LORCH
In 176 appearances for the Buccaneers, 30-year-old Thembinkosi Lorch scored 34 goals and laid on 30 more for teammates. He also picked up four trophies in his time there, including three MTN8 titles and a Nedbank Cup. The 2019 PSL Player of the Year hasn’t contributed much, however, since he was crowned as the country’s best player. Injuries and off-field controversy have meant that the wide attacker has barely been available when called upon.
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