Retired Bucs midfielder makes bold claim about Lorch’s transfer to Sundowns

A retired Orlando Pirates midfielder has made a bold claim about star player Thembinkosi Lorch’s recent transfer to rivals Mamelodi Sundowns.

The Buccaneers faithful were left reeling just over three weeks ago when talismanic midfielder Thembinkosi Lorch swapped black and white for Sundowns’ yellow and green.

Lorch’s unexpected move to Sundowns was sealed on the deadline day of the 2024 January transfer window. His departure from Pirates marked a seismic shift in the SA football landscape.

And while the emotional wounds are still fresh, retired Pirates midfielder Simon Magagula has thrown fuel on the fire with a bold claim: “Lorch’s move won’t affect Pirates, not at all.”

In Nyoso, as he is appreciatively known, Pirates had one of the best players in the country, who played along with some of the best crop of players at the club at his prime.

Lorch arrived at the Soweto giants at the age of 22 in 2015. He won several cup competitions and was named the 2019 PSL Footballer of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season. He was a fan favourite, and his absence raises questions about how Pirates will replace his skill and experience.

FORMER BUCCANEER SAYS LORCH’S DEPARTURE WON’T AFFECT ORLANDO PIRATES

While some, like Pirates former player Magagula, believe Lorch’s impact was diminished due to injury and inconsistency, others argue his talent was undeniable and his influence will be missed.

“To be honest, I don’t think Thembinkosi Lorch having moved to Sundowns will affect Pirates, not at all,” Magagula told FARPost. “If you look at how unavailable he was in most games and how the team played, you can tell that he did not have much effect on the team.

“Lorch is a quality player, and no one can shy away from that, but he didn’t play much for Pirates in the past few seasons. Hence, I don’t think the team will be impacted.”

Magagula also insisted that players such as Relebohile Mofokeng have the ability and skill to step up to the plate.

“So, the team also has young players like Relebohile Mofokeng, whom I think should stand up since Lorch is gone,” he added. “Also Patrick Maswanganyi came from SuperSport United to make an impact, and many other players are doing good. So, all in all, the team will still perform the same.”

The Buccaneers resume the current DStv Premiership campaign with Sundowns on Saturday, 17 February 2024, with the match set for 20:00 at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

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By Clifton Mabasa