Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has weighed in on whether talented attacker Thembinkosi Lorch has a future with the Brazilians.
The Tshwane giants began their 2025/26 season with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Richards Bay FC in the MTN8 quarter-final at the Lucas Moripe Stadium this past weekend.
Sundowns scored the four goals courtesy of a brace from Iqraam Rayners, a strike by Siyabonga Mabena, and an own goal from the Natal Rich Boyz captain, Simphiwe Mcikena.
Masandawana locked horns with Richards Bay without the services of their key players Lucas Ribeiro Costa, Peter Shalulile, and Khuliso Mudau, who played a major role in the team last season.
The trio are facing an uncertain future with Shalulile and Ribeiro linked with transfers outside of the country, while Mudau is yet to agree on a new contract with the club.
Meanwhile, Thembinkosi Lorch, who spent the second round of the previous season with Wydad Casablanca, is yet to return to the club after the expiry of his loan deal in Morocco.
The 32-year-old star had a successful loan spell with Wydad and stole the show at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup last month. Lorch showcased his ability to rise on big stages, producing a mouth-watering performance against English Premier League side Manchester City. He also scored against the Italian giants Juventus FC.
WHAT MIGUEL CARDOSO SAID ABOUT LORCH’S FUTURE AT SUNDOWNS
In the Botola Pro, Lorch featured in 11 appearances and found the back of the net on two occasions. After his performances in the Club World Cup, the future of Lorch has been the subject of speculation as he’s linked to a permanent move to Wydad or Saudi Arabia.
Sundowns coach Cardoso has since addressed the future of the former Orlando Pirates star, hinting that the skilful attacker may not have a place at the club.
“Regarding Lorch, just like with Mudau, Lucas, and Peter, I’m not going to discuss it,” the Portuguese tactician said on Sunday.
“But with Lorch is a situation that comes from the past, and those will be addressed and solved by the club, and in proper time, you will have the information that will be public.”
The Bafana Bafana international arrived at Sundowns in January 2024 from Pirates under the then-head coach Rulani Mokwena.
RELATED STORY: Sundowns coach Mokwena on Lorch’s debut against ex-club Pirates