Thembinkosi Lorch Replacement Identified by Former Orlando Pirates Trouble Maker

• Thembinkosi Lorch rocked the DStv Premiership with an unexpected move to Mamelodi Sundowns
• Orlando Pirates and their fans supported Lorch through a difficult personal legal battle in 2023
• A former player with his own list of disciplinary issues claimed a replacement is already at Pirates

Orlando Pirates fans are still coming to terms with the loss of their 'breadwinner'.

Thembinkosi Lorch was affectionately given the moniker but it is likely to have been revoked after what could be seen as a betrayal of the club's loyalty.

Lorch had become a key figure in Jose Riveiro's attack, who must now search for a replacement, hindered by the transfer window having already closed.

A Buccaneers legend has stated that the Spanish boss need not worry as Lorch's successor is already at the club.

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While admitting that Lorch will leave a large hole down the attacking flanks, Benedict Vilakazi says Lesedi Kapinga is the man for the job.

Kapinga signed on a free transfer from Mamelodi Sundowns at the beginning of the season and has already made his league debut. Vilakazi told SowetanLive:

"If they can give Kapinga a chance, he can come in and make a difference. He is more of a smart player who can get into the box than can make runs wide."

Vilakazi played 170 appearances for Pirates between between 1999 and 2007, scoring 58 goals. Like Lorch, 'Tso' carried with him a bad boy reputation.

In 2001 he faced a PSL disciplinary committee for verbally abusing a ref and in 2006 he was fined for breaking curfew three days before a CAF Champions League match.

In 2005, the talented midfielder admitted to an explicit encounter with a teenager, as reported by IOL, and in 2019 appeared on the popular confession programme, I Blew It.

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The 28-year-old Kapinga has scored 11 goals and contributed 15 assists in all competitions since 2013, as per TransferMarkt.

Pirates resume their DStv Premiership campaign on February 13 against Chippa United having signed two midfielders and welcoming the return of an on-loan striker.

Lorch bids emotional farewell

Sports Brief recently reported on Thembinkosi Lorch saying an emotional goodbye to Orlando Pirates.

The attacker made an unexpected transfer deadline day move to league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.

In his farewell message, he thanked Dr Irvin Khoza and coach Jose Riveiro for the memories.