Orlando Pirates captain Innocent Maela has reacted to Thembinkosi Lorch’s high-profile move to rivals Mamelodi Sundowns.
The highly-rated attacker, Lorch, penned a deal with Sundowns on the deadline day of the 2024 January transfer window ahead of the second round of the DStv Premiership season.
‘Nyoso’, as he’s affectionately known, was left with six months until his contract expires at Pirates, and he would have left the Soweto giants for free in July 2024.
Lorch established himself as a fan-favourite during his eight-season stay with Pirates. The 30-year-old star joined the Buccaneers in 2015 from Maluti FET College. He went on to make 176 appearances for the Soweto giants in all competitions.
The Bafana Bafana international scored 34 goals and made 30 assists while winning three MTN8 trophies and one Nedbank Cup. In the process, in 2019, Lorch was PSL Players’ Player of the Season.
While Lorch left Pirates fans heartbroken with his switch to Sundowns, his former captain, Maela, has commented on the move.
INNOCENT MAELA ADMITS LORCH WILL BE REMEMBERED AT PIRATES
Maela recalled the best moments he shared with Lorch at Pirates and admitted that the attacker will be missed.
“Look, I’ve shared special moments with Lorch; through my eight years at the club, he’s always been by my side,” Maela said. “When he left, it was quite emotional, but we are mature enough to know that in football, players come and go, and the club remains.
“I wished him well, and the team wishes him well where he is now. I mean, Lorch gave us beautiful moments, and he’ll always be remembered.”
On the other hand, the ex-Thanda Royal Zulu defender also shed some light on the injury that saw him miss the ongoing 2023 AFCON.
“I’m fit now, I’m 100%; if you remember, before the league closed, playing a few minutes. I’m just looking forward to the resumption of the league and contributing more,” Maela added.
Pirates will resume their league campaign after the 2023 AFCON with a clash against Chippa United on Tuesday, 13th of February, at Orlando Stadium.
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