Thembinkosi Lorch: Orlando Pirates Confirm Midfielder’s Move to Rivals Mamelodi Sundowns

• Thembinkosi Lorch has officially departed from Orlando Pirates Football Club
• The 2019 Footballer of the Season is joining league rivals Mamelodi Sundowns
• The Brazilians also signed Zuko Mdunyelwa, Tashreeq Matthews and Matías Esquivel

Orlando Pirates has officially announced the departure of Thembinkosi Lorch to Mamelodi Sundowns, confirming the end of his tenure with the Soweto-based club.

The 2019 Footballer of the Season is set to reunite with coach Rulani Mokwena at Sundowns following discussions between the two clubs.

In a statement released by Orlando Pirates, Chairman Dr Irvin Khoza and the Mamelodi Sundowns hierarchy engaged in talks leading to Lorch's decision to leave.

The club expressed gratitude for his significant contributions, acknowledging the impact he made on the club's history.

“Thembinkosi Lorch is to leave Orlando Pirates Football Club after a discussion between the Chairman Dr. Irvin Khoza and the Mamelodi Sundowns hierarchy. 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,” read the statement from the club, as reported by Soccer Laduuma.

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Mamelodi Sundowns, long-time admirers of Lorch, have been at the centre of speculation surrounding the player's potential move to Chloorkop for the past six months. The player joins Zuko Mdunyelwa and Tashreeq Matthews, who have also signed for the Brazilians in the January 2024 transfer window.

Matthews is a 23-year-old forward known for his standout performances in the Allsvenskan last season. Sundowns successfully negotiated terms with Matthews, who scored 11 goals and gave 10 assists in 33 games last season.

The club also signed playmaker Matías Esquivel from Club Atletico Lanus, as reported by Goal.

Esquivel's addition is particularly significant for Sundowns, addressing the gap left by the departure of Haashim Domingo and enhancing the team's midfield quality.

The club had initially considered the transfer of Lars Veldwijk, a 32-year-old South Africa international, but decided against it due to a divided opinion within the technical team regarding his potential role in the squad, despite the short-term nature of the proposed deal.

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Former Mamelodi Sundowns manager Pitso Mosimane joins new club

Sports Brief reported when Pitso Mosimane signed with Saudi Arabian club, Abha FC.

The ex-Bafana Bafana boss has been unemployed since leaving the UAE IN December 2023.

Mosimane is rated as one of the best coaches to hail from Africa.