Rulani Mokwena has offered his thoughts on Thembinkosi Lorch’s debut for Mamelodi Sundowns in a titanic clash against his old club, Orlando Pirates, on Saturday night.
The much-anticipated DStv Premiership encounter marked Lorch’s first appearance for Sundowns, generating considerable interest due to his previous history with the Buccaneers.
New signings rarely encounter the pressure of starting in a high-profile match just weeks after joining the star-studded Sundowns side.
However, Lorch walked straight into the starting line-up as Sundowns played out to a 1-1 draw with a 10-man Pirates in a tense and physical clash at the sold-out Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
This swift integration into the Sundowns squad highlights Lorch’s potential impact for Sundowns as they navigate the season.
The 30-year-old winger left Pirates for Sundowns in a shock move in January. And in his first game in the Tshwane giants colours, wearing jersey number 45, Lorch played for 60 minutes before being replaced by another debutant, Argentine midfielder Matías Esquivel from Club Atlético Lanús.
Mokwena pointed to the combined pressure of a high-profile match and Lorch facing his former club, where he enjoyed a long and impactful stint, as factors that hindered the winger’s ability to make a significant impact on his first Sundowns game.
The Brazilians took the lead through Marcelo Allende, but Pirates equalised from the penalty spot courtesy of Tapelo Xoki. Miguel Timm received a red card during the match.
Mokwena Challenges Sundowns to Up Their Game After THEMBINKOSI Lorch Debut
“We can all do better, starting with the coach, and of course, even with the new signings, we can do better; it is difficult, I know, and I understand,” said Mokwena as Lorch an an underwhelming debut.
“Also, with Lorch, the pressure, the talks, his former club and all the other things also did not help him.
“Matías still needs to adapt to the league, intensity, and the way we want to play, so that’s difficult for him also. The language doesn’t make it easier, but we can all improve, and the first person to improve is me; that’s number one.”
Mixed reactions followed Lorch’s debut for Sundowns. Some, including former player and current commentator Teko Modise, acknowledged the potential challenges Lorch faced in such an emotionally charged setting.
Modise, who also made the switch from Pirates to Sundowns, commented on SuperSport TV: “It was always going to be difficult for Lorch against Pirates; I think he gave it his best shot.”
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