Insider Lifts Lid On Down’s Lorch Pursuit

A Chloorkop insider has lifted the lid on Mamelodi Sundowns’ potential pursuit of Thembinkosi Lorch, who remains contracted to Orlando Pirates.

 

A Chloorkop insider has lifted the lid on Mamelodi Sundowns’ potential pursuit of Thembinkosi Lorch, who remains contracted to Orlando Pirates.

The Siya crew reported last month that the Brazilians had reignited their interest of the Buccaneers talisman, but were always mindful of the fact that there was a slim chance of getting the deal over the line.

While anything can happen, given that the transfer window is still yet to open and is expected only to slam shut at the end of August, word reaching the Siya crew is that Downs are slowly, but surely, giving up.

From the get-go, talk of Lorch moving from Pirates to Downs were labelled “complicated” by a source at Chloorkop privy to transfer movements at the Tshwane outfit – so it was always seen as a long shot to try and lure Lorch.

Although the player’s contract details have never been made public since he joined Pirates in 2015 from Maluti EFT College and then loaned out to Chippa United, it’s believed he still has two more years to go.

Lorch has in the past publicly confirmed that he wanted to move abroad, but told journalists in September 2019 – coincidentally with then Bucs interim coach Rulani Mokwena seated next to him – that offers for his services were turned down by the club.

Mokwena is now Downs co-head coach.

Belgian sides Royal Union Saint-Gil­loise and Club Brugge as well French Ligue 1 outfits Dijon Football Cote d’Or and Toulouse FC were said to have all been keen.

A move to Europe for Lorch, especially at his age now (27), looks unlikely, leaving him with local options in the Premier Soccer League.

But, according to the insider, a potential move could be dead and buried.