Thembinkosi Lorch

Thembinkosi Lorch makes good first impression at Mamelodi Sundowns. Image: Mamelodi Sundowns Magazine

Sundowns boss explains what makes Lorch special after Orlando Pirates move

Rulani knows Lorch better than most.

Thembinkosi Lorch

Thembinkosi Lorch makes good first impression at Mamelodi Sundowns. Image: Mamelodi Sundowns Magazine

Sundowns boss Rulani Mokwena has pinpointed his favourite attributes of Thembinkosi Lorch after his big move from Orlando Pirates.

PSL: Rulani discusses whether Lorch is ready to start against Orlando Pirates


Lorch and Mokwena have history at Orlando Pirates

Lorch shone in the 2018/19 season under coach Milutin Sredojević and his then-assistant Rulani Mokwena at Orlando Pirates Pirates. He was named PSL Footballer of the Season and Mokwena is hoping their reunion will help elevate Lorch to the same heights again.

“I don’t have to speak for Lorch. I think everybody knows the capacity that he can produce andI know personally because I worked with Lorch during the season where he was footballer of the season,” Mokwena added.

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Sundowns signings Lorch Pirates
Mamelodi Sundowns unveiled Thembinkosi Lorch in January. Image: @masandawana/X.

What made Lorch special in the 2018/19 campaign?

Rulani Mokwena remembers Lorch at his best.

“I think we can all attest that if he was playing at that level, he should have played his second AFCON with the quality that he has. If you remember the 2018/19 season, I think Lorch had nine assists and seven goals from a midfield position and he could have scored a lot more.

“He’s the type of player that has huge influence in and around the box. He’s an extremely versatile player but the responsibility lies on us to support him like we do with all our players. We’ve got the responsibility to make sure they are better versions of themselves and then let their talent do the rest of the talking. That’s why they are at Sundowns because we believe they have the quality to be here.”

Sundowns and Pirates meet on Saturday 17 February at 20:00.

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Mamelodi Sundowns Kaizer Chiefs PSL Rulani Mokwena
Sundowns fans basking in glory. Photo: Twitter @Masandawana

Meanwhile, hit up James Freemantle for more insights, analysis and love for the beautiful game.

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