Rulani Mokwena Confirms Thembinkosi Lorch’s Absence for Nedbank Cup Final Against Orlando Pirates

Rulani Mokwena Confirms Thembinkosi Lorch’s Absence for Nedbank Cup Final Against Orlando Pirates

Byron Pillay
updated at May 31, 2024 at 11:22 AM
In this article:
Mamelodi Sundowns logo
Mamelodi Sundowns
South Africa
21
Orlando Pirates logo
Orlando Pirates
South Africa
36
South Africa Premier Soccer League logo
ZA Premier League
South Africa
Thembinkosi Lorch logo
T. Lorch
Orlando Pirates logoFSouth Africa logo
  • Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena confirmed that Thembinkosi Lorch won't play in the Nedbank Cup final scheduled for June 1
  • The winger, who now plays for DStv Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns, won't face his former side, Orlando Pirates
  • Lorch recently made headlines on social media after a video of him partying with two women in a nightclub went viral

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Thembinkosi Lorch will not be available to go up against his former side, Orlando Pirates.

Mamelodi Sundowns will take on Pirates in the final of the Nedbank Cup, and many were keen to see if the midfielder made the team for the clash.

Thembinkosi Lorch won't play against his former side, Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup final.
Rulani Mokwena confirmed that Thembinkosi Lorch will miss the Nedbank Cup final through injury and not due to a suspension. Image: @KickOffMagazine.
Source: Twitter

Speaking ahead of the big game, Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena confirmed that the former Buccaneers player was ruled out due to an injury, Times LIVE noted.

“He is injured, but he has been removed from the group. He got injured against Stellenbosch, and he might have to undergo surgery. This is the last game of the season, and it is done for him," Mokwena said.

Mokwena comments on Lorch video

The Sundowns' boss also refused to comment negatively on the player's antics on social media, saying he would protect his players.

The former Pirates man made headlines when a video of him partying with two women began trending on social media.

As GOAL noted, Mokwena said the player called him after the incident and broke down in tears.

He added that Lorch was a human who made mistakes, and that he (Mokwena), probably made more mistakes than his players.

Because of the viral video, many assumed the club had suspended the 30-year-old for the upcoming final against his former side.

The winger made 176 appearances for the Sea Robber, scoring 34 goals and notching up 30 assists. He never won a league title with the side, but picked up his first one after joining Sundowns.

Lorch spotted with beauties after break up

Sports Brief reported how Lorch was spotted with two women in a nightclub recently.

The incident happened three months after his relationship with Natasha Thahane ended.

The player’s video drew criticism from fans as it came soon after Mamelodi Sundowns won the league.

Authors
Byron Pillay photo
Byron Pillay
Byron Pillay is a sports writer and Head of the Department at Sports Brief (joined in 2022) with over 10 years of experience in community journalism and a degree in journalism from Caxton's Cadet School.