Orlando Pirates have confirmed the departure of Thembinkosi Lorch, who is set to join the reigning DStv Premiership champions, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Lorch was spotted at Sundowns’ training base, Chloorkop, in Pretoria on Friday, and the attacker is believed to have signed on the dotted line with the club.
Pirates released a short statement on Friday afternoon confirming the departure of the Bafana Bafana international.
THEMBINKOSI LORCH AND ORLANDO PIRATES PART WAYS
“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,” the club said.
MAMELODI SUNDOWNS SET TO CONFIRM LORCH’S MOVE ON PSL TRANSFER DEADLINE
As the clock ticks down on the PSL transfer deadline, Sundowns are poised to unveil a game-changing addition to their squad, Lorch.
The January transfer window will shut down this evening – Friday, 26 January at 00:00 and Sundowns have turned heads again, leaving it late to seal the surprise signing of Lorch.
Lorch leaves Pirates after spending almost a decade at the club. He won four trophies, three MTN8 titles and the Nedbank Cup.
The 30-year-old made 176 appearances at the Soweto Giants with 34 goals and 30 assists to his name. He was one of the top performers and a fan favourite at the Buccaneers despite his off-the-field issues and injuries.
In 2019, Lorch won two major accolades in SA football. He was named the Footballer of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season at the PSL awards. He has also featured several times for Bafana.
Lorch is the second deadline day signing for Sundowns, as the club earlier announced the arrival of Tashreeq Matthews. The 23-year-old midfielder joins the 2016 CAF Champions League winners from Swedish outfit IK Sirius.
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