Thembinkosi Lorch: Midfielder Bids Emotional Goodbye to Orlando Pirates After Mamelodi Sundowns Move

• Thembinkosi Lorch has bid an emotional farewell to Orlando Pirates
• Mamelodi Sundowns secured the 30year-old on transfer deadline day
• The 2019 Footballer of the Season reunites with Coach Rulani Mokwena

In a heartfelt farewell on Saturday, January 27, Thembinkosi Lorch expressed gratitude to Orlando Pirates after completing a move to Mamelodi Sundowns on Deadline Day.

The transfer sent ripples through the South African football community, marking a significant change for the talented Nyoso.

Lorch shared his sentiments with fans, teammates and the management, acknowledging the impact his time the Sea Robbers had on his personal and professional growth.

He thanked Chairman Dr. Irvin Khoza for the opportunity to play for a club with a rich history and, Coach José Riveiro, former and current coaches, staff and teammates for the unforgettable memories.

Maradona to Mertens: List of top 10 Napoli legends of all time ranked

Football

“Thank you to Coach José Riveiro for his belief in me, the former and current coaches and the staff, the entire management team and my teammates for all the memories we have built together,” said Lorch, as reported by iDiskiTimes.

Addressing the passionate Buccaneers, Lorch expressed gratitude for their loyalty and unwavering support, considering it an honour to wear the iconic Buccaneer jersey. As he embraces a new chapter with Mamelodi Sundowns, he pledged to give his best, support his new teammates and contribute to the club's success.

The 2019 Footballer of the Season reunites with Coach Rulani Mokwena at Sundowns.

Pirates expressed gratitude for Lorch's significant contributions, acknowledging his impact on the club's history.

"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.

Arsenal transfer news: Which players did Arsenal bring in during the January transfer window?

Football

Mamelodi Sundowns, long-time admirers of Lorch, have successfully secured the services of Zuko Mdunyelwa and Tashreeq Matthews in the January 2024 transfer window. Matthews, a 23-year-old forward, impressed with 11 goals and 10 assists in 33 games last season in the Allsvenskan.

The club's acquisition of playmaker Matías Esquivel from Club Atletico Lanus is a significant boost to the midfield, addressing the gap left by the departure of Haashim Domingo and elevating the team's quality.

While the club initially considered the transfer of Lars Veldwijk, a 32-year-old South African international, a divided opinion within the technical team led to the decision against the move, despite the short-term nature of the proposed deal.

Gavin Hunt names who deserves credit for Mamelodi Sundowns turnaround

Sports Brief reported when the SuperSport United head coach Gavin Hunt disclosed that Pitso Mosimane should be credited for Mamelodi Sundown's improvement.

Hunt said Mosimane's philosophy was responsible for improving the Brazilians' squad.

Shabana Coach Pamzo Determined to Lift Side From FKF Premier League Relegation Threat

Football

The tactician led them to all the possible domestic titles in South Africa.