Steve Lekoelea weighs in on Thembinkosi Lorch leaving Orlando Pirates! 

Orlando Pirates lost their talisman Thembinkosi Lorch to Mamelodi Sundowns on transfer deadline day. 

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Sundowns were able to complete the shock signing of Lorch on transfer deadline day, blindsiding Pirates fans. 

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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. Lorch seems to be part of their vision to win more silverware and could prove a welcome addition. 

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A former Pirates fan favourite Steve Lekoelea says he understands Lorch’s decision to leave. 

Lorch was no longer mentally at Pirates

“Though I would have loved to see Lorch finishing his career at Pirates, but I remember telling you that Lorch’s heart is no longer at Pirates. It was always clear he wanted to move on, he wanted a new team to play for. I never thought he would leave Pirates for Sundowns though after the club helped him so much with his court cases. With regard to his decision, I wish him good luck, Pirates supporters loved him and he was their key player. They are not happy with his decision, but there is nothing we can do now, he is already gone.” Said Lekoelea to KickOff.com

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With a move to Sundowns, usually there is a big payday attached to it. Lekoelea believes it would’ve influenced Lorch’s decision to leave Pirates. 

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“Money might be one of the reasons he left Pirates for Sundowns, or maybe he feels he is no longer at the Pirates level. But we have to be fair as a player you can’t eat loyalty, clubs will say, you are our legend, but do nothing for you to show you are their legend. You will only keep the legend title. You have a gold medal at home but you don’t have money. And I can’t eat that gold. Lorch can still play for another five seasons, we can’t blame him, he knows what he is doing, it’s his career.” Said Lekeoeea. 

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All eyes will now be on Lorch, to see if he can have a similar impact at Sundowns, as he had at Pirates.