Latest news with #Chloorkop-based
The Citizen
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Thembinkosi Lorch faces Sundowns exit after missing pre-season
Thembinkosi Lorch appears to have no future at Mamelodi Sundowns, with sources indicating the former PSL Footballer of the Season is not part of head coach Miguel Cardoso's plans. The Citizen reports that Lorch was among the first casualties following Cardoso's arrival last December, having been loaned to Wydad Casablanca just a month later. Rushine de Reuck also departed during the same window, joining Israeli side Maccabi Petah Tikva on loan. Lorch impressed during his stint at Wydad, particularly with his performances at the Fifa Club World Cup, sparking speculation that he could be reintegrated into the Sundowns setup. However, Phakaaathi understands that Cardoso remains unconvinced and is looking to move in a different direction. The 32-year-old failed to report for pre-season, prompting the Sundowns hierarchy to explore possible exit options. Having signed from Orlando Pirates in a high-profile switch in January 2024, Lorch's move to Chloorkop has ultimately failed to live up to expectations. He is currently training on his own while plotting his next move, believed to be in North Africa. Cardoso, who has consistently expressed a preference for a smaller squad, has already approved De Reuck's switch to Simba SC in Tanzania. Lorch is expected to be the next to leave as Sundowns continue to trim their squad for the new season, with other big-name players also expected to depart the Chloorkop-based side.
The Citizen
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Lorch not in coach Cardoso's plan at Sundowns
The 32-year-old failed to report for pre-season, prompting the Sundowns hierarchy to explore possible exit options. Thembinkosi Lorch appears to have no future at Mamelodi Sundowns, with sources indicating the former PSL Footballer of the Season is not part of head coach Miguel Cardoso's plans. Lorch was among the first casualties following Cardoso's arrival last December, having been loaned to Wydad Casablanca just a month later. Rushine de Reuck also departed during the same window, joining Israeli side Maccabi Petah Tikva on loan. ALSO READ: Sundowns reject Offer for Mudau, player wants improved terms Lorch impressed during his stint at Wydad, particularly with his performances at the FIFA Club World Cup, sparking speculation that he could be reintegrated into the Sundowns setup. However, Phakaaathi understands that Cardoso remains unconvinced and is looking to move in a different direction. The 32-year-old failed to report for pre-season, prompting the Sundowns hierarchy to explore possible exit options. Having signed from Orlando Pirates in a high-profile switch in January 2024, Lorch's move to Chloorkop has ultimately failed to live up to expectations. He is currently training on his own while plotting his next move, which is believed to be in North Africa. Cardoso, who has consistently expressed a preference for a smaller squad, has already approved de Reuck's switch to Simba SC in Tanzania. ALSO READ: Pirates coach Ouaddou hails Appollis after MTN8 victory over City Lorch is expected to be the next to leave as Sundowns continue to trim their squad for the new season with other big-name players expected to depart the Chloorkop-based side.
IOL News
05-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
A quiet transfer window could actually see Mamelodi Sundowns thrive in Africa
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso must aim for some continuity following some good performances at the recently completed FIFA Club World Cup. Image: Backpagepix Mamelodi Sundowns did what they were supposed to do at the FIFA Club World Cup - they showcased the club's ability on the world stage and won the hearts of the masses. Sundowns opened their Group H campaign with a win over Ulsan HD. That was no surprise given their pedigree and the strength of the team compared to the Koreans. But it was against German giants Borussia Dortmund when they announced themselves to the world, as they put up a fearless and charismatic performance despite the 4-3 defeat. Sundowns were so good in that game that many pundits and fans were rooting for them to beat Fluminense in their final group match and qualify for the last 16. But it wasn't to be, as the match ended in a draw, resulting in the Chloorkop-based side finishing third in their group and crashing out of the tournament. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Sure, it is often said 'no one remembers the losers', but Sundowns have defied that tag as many will be rooting for them if they qualify for the 2029 edition. That tournament will be in four years' time, but the time to build for the club is now - they need to invest in the club's youth and polish the 'Shoeshine and Piano' flair that saw them win over new fans. The club has the likes of Jayden Adams (24), Malibongwe Khoza (21), Kutlwano Letlhaku (19) and Ndumiso Mabena (18) who should be able to drive vision 2029. But these youngsters cannot be thrown in the deep end now - they still need the guidance of seniors such as Teboho Mokoena (28) and Khuliso Mudau (30). And so, as the transfer window slowly heats up this month, the club must be wary of buying unnecessary players and should instead focus on a succession plan. Yes, challenging for top honours such as the Betway Premiership and CAF Champions League requires the team to have the best players at their disposal. And boy, Sundowns, thanks to their deep pockets, have the best players money can buy. But there's no need for the club to strengthen the squad for the sake of killing local competition, instead they must buy what they need in their bids for the league and African crown. Investing more in getting the best out of the current crop of players would also strengthen the competition, especially for continental football. Winning the league has been like taking candy from a baby from Sundowns, with the team having won the last eight titles in a row due to poor competition at home. Strong competition would aid their bid to do well in African football, as the wheels tend to come off in the latter stages as it did in the Champions League final last season.
IOL News
30-06-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
New look Orlando Pirates face uphill battle to dethrone well-oiled Sundowns
New Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, left, shaking his predecessor Jose Riveiro's hand earlier this year. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BACKPAGEPIX Orlando Pirates are gearing up to challenge Mamelodi Sundowns and the rest of the Betway Premiership next season, but if the previous campaign is anything to go by, toppling the would-be champions will require far more than just ambition and new signings. By all accounts, the Buccaneers enjoyed one of their best seasons in recent years, collecting an impressive 61 points from a shortened 28-match season — impacted by Royal AM's mid-season disqualification. Despite this strong showing, they still finished 13 points behind Sundowns, who extended their domestic dominance in what was yet another seamless season for the Chloorkop-based outfit. That same 13-point gap also separated Pirates from third-placed Stellenbosch, underlining how far ahead the top two clubs were from the rest of the pack. However, while the Sea Robbers showed signs of real progress, the major challenge remains: how to close the gulf between themselves and Sundowns. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading The Soweto-based outfit has not been shy about their intentions. The club has moved swiftly in the transfer market, securing a number of key signings aimed at strengthening the squad for the upcoming campaign. These reinforcements are meant to not only keep the team competitive domestically but also bolster their CAF ambitions after finishing in the last four with a 3-2 loss to champions Pyramids. However, the excitement around the fresh talent comes with potential challenges. The biggest curveball for the Soweto giants is the unexpected departure of Spanish coach Jose Riveiro. After laying down a solid foundation over the past three years, his exit threatens to disrupt the momentum that had been carefully built. In his place comes Moroccan tactician Abdeslam Ouaddou, who faces the immediate task of adjusting to a top-tier team while instilling his own identity and style. With a new coach at the helm, there's every chance that the team's playing philosophy may shift. Ouaddou may have different tactical preferences and could opt for new combinations or players not heavily relied upon last season. This period of adjustment could slow down the team's momentum, especially early in the campaign. Adding to the complexity is the influx of new players — potentially close to 10 or more — into the squad. While this offers depth and competition and a lot of excitement, it also means several players will need time to settle in, build chemistry, and adapt to the demands of the new coach and system. Such transitions rarely yield immediate success.
The Citizen
11-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Sundowns' Maema tight-lipped on future after making CWC squad
'I'm not going to mention anything about my future at the club because I'm still a Sundowns player,' said Maema. Neo Maema of Mamelodi Sundowns during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 departure at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, on 08 June 2025 ©Phakamisa Lensman/BackpagePix Neo Maema has remained tight-lipped about his future after being named in Mamelodi Sundowns' final squad for the Fifa Club World Cup. The skilful midfielder endured a tough 2024/25 season, struggling for regular game time, with strong speculation suggesting he could be on his way out of the Chloorkop-based outfit. The former Bloemfontein Celtic star is believed to have just one year left on his current deal, having joined the Brazilians on a five-year contract in 2021. Maema featured in only seven Betway Premiership matches during the campaign after falling down the pecking order in the star-studded squad. ALSO READ: Bafana goalscorer Kwayiba now wants his 'big three' move In total, he made 17 appearances across all competitions, with his sole goal of the season coming in the 2–0 victory over Marumo Gallants in the Carling Knockout semi-finals. Notably, Thapelo Maseko and Terrence Mashego are the two most high-profile absentees from the travelling party heading to the United States for the global showpiece. Sundowns have been drawn in Group F alongside Ulsan HD, Borussia Dortmund, and Fluminense. 'I always knew that I would make the squad and it's not about being arrogant but I feel that this is the work of the players that have been here two years ago when we qualified for the Club World Cup' Maema said. 'When you're still at the team, you just have to eat the fruits of the work that you put in. I'm happy that I made the squad and obviously it's disappointing for the ones that didn't make it but there's competition. 'This is a big club but I feel for them because they are my brothers but I'm also looking forward to the experience of the club world cup. I'm not going to mention anything about my future at the club because I'm still a Sundowns player.' Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams has already laid down the challenge for the side to reach the last 16 of the expanded 32-team tournament. Maema is also eager to make an impression on the world stage and prove his worth in a tournament that could shape the next chapter of many of the Sundowns players. 'We had a couple of days off to recuperate to make sure that we gather our thoughts and just look forward because this is another adventure,' Maema concluded. ALSO READ: Williams targeting a place in the knockout phase at club world cup 'It's a new experience and we're playing against the best clubs around the world so we are looking forward to it. It's a big opportunity for everybody to showcase our talent and also as a team to do well.'
