Mamelodi Sundowns unveil Thembinkosi Lorch. Image: masandawana/X
Pirates and Lorch shock Vilakazi
Eish. Former Orlando Pirates star Benedict Vilakazi expected Thembinkosi Lorch to go overseas. Mamelodi Sundowns was a surprise.
Mamelodi Sundowns unveil Thembinkosi Lorch. Image: masandawana/X
It’s been accepted by many. Thembinkosi Lorch has left Orlando Pirates to join Mamelodi Sundowns.
Why is Vilakazi shocked?
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MAMELODI SUNDOWNS SIGN THEMBINKOSI LORCH FROM ORLANDO PIRATES
To prepare for the CAF Champions League deep stages, Sundowns have made a headline signing.
Pirates confirmed Lorch’s departure to Sundowns last Friday. “Thembinkosi Lorch is to leave Orlando Pirates Football Club after a discussion between the Chairman Dr. Irvin Khoza and the Mamelodi Sundowns hierarchy,” Pirates stated.
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“The Club thanks “Nyoso” for his immense contribution by adding another page in the history of the Club.
“We wish him and his family well in his future sporting pursuit,” the club concluded.
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UNEXPECTED MOVE
In a reaction to Lorch’s departure, former Pirates star Vilakazi did not expect Pirates to facilitated the move.
The Soweto-born legend was anticipating a move abroard.
“I am shocked that Orlando Pirates have allowed their key player to join their rivals,” Vilakazi said via iDiskiTimes.
“Thembinkosi Lorch was an important player for Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns were fighting against Pirates for the league title.
“I’m not saying it’s a bad move, I’m just saying I didn’t see it coming. None of us saw this coming.
“There have always been rumours that Lorch wants to go overseas. Maybe the player has always wanted to leave after winning the Player of the Season,” he added.
Nevertheless, Vilakazi feels that the club might have been forced to let the player go.
“Sometimes a player is not in a rush to come back from injury and us former players, we know what that means. Sometimes it means a player is not too keen to continue with the club. I’m speculating from experience,” Vilakazi continued.
“Another factor is money. Clubs need to respect players when it comes to money. We are professionals, we are not children.
“Pirates have lost many heroes to Sundowns. Myself, Lebogang Mokoena, Oupa Manyisa, Teko Modise and more. There is a reason for that and I think clubs need to respect players when it comes to money,” Pirates legend concluded.
You can find more articles from Siseko Gwegwe here.
