Mamelodi Sundowns' Thembinkosi Lorch Joins Wydad Athletic Club On Loan
- Thembinkosi Lorch has departed Mamelodi Sundowns to join Morocco's Wydad Athletic Club on a six-month loan deal due to limited playing opportunities under coach Miguel Cardoso.
- Cardoso elaborated on why the club decided to loan out the former Orlando Pirates star to the Botola Pro league this January.
- Lorch will reunite with former Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena at the Moroccan club, marking his third stint under the South African manager.
In a candid statement, Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso has explained the rationale behind letting Thembinkosi Lorch reunite with Rulani Mokwena at Wydad Athletic Club. This move comes after Lorch struggled to secure consistent playing time under the Portuguese tactician. A loan spell in Morocco might just be what the 31-year-old midfielder needs to reinvigorate his career.
Thembinkosi Lorch joined Sundowns from Orlando Pirates to compete with Themba Zwane under Rulani Mokwena. However, with the arrival of Miguel Cardoso, the club's dynamics shifted. The Brazilians have since brought in Jayden Adams from Stellenbosch FC, making Lorch's position even more challenging. This loan deal could provide him with the opportunity to shine elsewhere and potentially secure a permanent move.
Why Miguel Cardoso Approved Lorch's Move to Wydad
Thembinkosi Lorch is set to spend the remainder of the season on loan with Wydad Athletic Club. If he impresses during his six-month tenure, there’s a possibility of a permanent transfer. According to iDiskiTimes, Miguel Cardoso openly discussed why it was necessary for Lorch to leave Sundowns for Morocco.
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“Thembinkosi, as you can imagine, wasn’t happy here. It’s crucial that players feel content, and we can’t keep athletes who aren’t thriving in our environment. Sometimes, it’s essential to give them the space they need to breathe and express themselves. Lorch isn’t a young player anymore. Over the past few years, he hasn’t seen much game time. Allowing him to go play football elsewhere was the right decision for both him and the club,” Cardoso explained.
Cardoso emphasized the importance of player happiness and performance. By letting Lorch pursue opportunities elsewhere, the club aims to support his career while maintaining a competitive squad. Lorch joins Lesiba Nku and Lebo Maboe, who also left Sundowns during the winter transfer window. Meanwhile, Erwin Saavedra is expected to return to South America.
Fans React to Lorch's Departure
Supporters Share Their Thoughts
The announcement of Lorch's loan to Wydad sparked a variety of reactions from fans. Some criticized the circumstances surrounding his signing and departure, while others expressed optimism about his future under Rulani Mokwena.
“This Lorch saga highlights the risks of signing players outside the club’s recruitment policies just to please a coach. He was brought in for a specific coach, not the long-term plans of the club,” said user Khethanikesman.
“Rulani truly sees the potential in Lorch. There’s a beast waiting to be unleashed,” commented Ultron_v2.
Not everyone was supportive of Lorch’s decision, though. Neightm04 expressed relief, saying, “I’m glad I won’t have to see this guy in the PSL again. Brilliant player when he’s on form, but this feels like a misstep. Hopefully, Rele won’t follow the same path.” Another commenter, ingwe_CFC, noted, “Thankfully, he’s not headed to Kaizer Chiefs. They can’t afford players prone to injuries.”
Lorch Draws Criticism from Sundowns Fans
Thembinkosi Lorch faced backlash from Sundowns supporters after wishing former coach Rulani Mokwena a happy birthday. He shared a photo from their time at Orlando Pirates, which didn’t sit well with many Masandawana fans. They felt the gesture was unprofessional, given Mokwena’s past role with the club. Despite this, Lorch remains a talented player whose career trajectory will be closely watched in the coming months.
