Mamelodi Sundowns thank Orlando Pirates for Thembinkosi Lorch signing

Thembinkosi Lorch leaving Orlando Pirates for Mamelodi Sundowns dominated the headlines on transfer deadline day.

READ | RULANI MOKWENA EXPLAINS WHY MAMELODI SUNDOWNS SIGNED THEMBINKOSI LORCH

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

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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.

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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.

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Lorch wasted no time joining his new Sundowns teammates, as he was part and parcel of their Polokwane trip. This formed part of their return from their Afcon-induced break, as the league resumption edges closer. It was reported earlier in the week that the former Pirates man impressed on the trip, even laying an assist. 

Sundowns express gratitude over Lorch signing to Pirates

Now speaking to the Sundowns Youtube channel, coach Rulani Mokwena has revealed why the club signed Lorch from Pirates. 

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“we want to thank his former club for dealing with the transfer with integrity and respect and of course that’s how we try to treat every single club with respect and integrity in what was not an easy transfer to make. But I think the respect that comes and the co-operation that exists between both clubs, Mamelodi Sundowns, our hierarchy and Motsepe family with Orlando Pirates allowed it to take place and of course we’re delighted to have recruited a player of his stature and magnitude, Because of course he comes in having the expectations and the pressure to deliver. But he’s a type of player big things can be expected from him,” said Mokwena as per KickOff.com.

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Sundowns fans will be licking their lips at the prospect of watch Lorch combine with his new teammates. The Brazilians are set to resume their campaign away to Golden Arrows next week Wednesday.