Latest news with #Lorch
IOL News
3 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Thembinkosi Lorch's future: Back to Wydad or staying in SA?
What's up with Lorch? Thembinkosi Lorch, who starred for Wydad Casablanca during the FIFA Club World Cup, could be on his way back to Morocco, according to reports. Photo: Charly Triballeau/AFP Thembinkosi Lorch has been back in the country since ending his loan with Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca, but according to reports, he could be heading back to North Africa. The 32-year-old is unwanted by parent club Mamelodi Sundowns and has been training on his own as he looks for a new club. During the FIFA Club World Cup, Lorch turned a few heads with his performance against some of the biggest clubs in the world. As a result of performing on the world stage, it's thought he will not struggle in his search. Wydad had been keen to keep him permanently after his loan ended, but the club couldn't reach a deal with Sundowns. Now, further reports suggest he could be returning to Wydad. According to KickOff, the club are keen to go back to the negotiating table to hash out a deal for the player who became a favourite among fans.
The South African
6 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs open talks with Sundowns superstar
Kaizer Chiefs are reportedly working on an audacious move for a Mamelodi Sundowns star. The Glamour Boys are gearing up for a huge 2025/26 campaign. They'll be competing both locally and in the CAF Confederations Cup this season. And now, reports suggest the club's management are pushing to get a deal done which could give them a huge boost for the season ahead! READ MORE • Kaizer Chiefs transfer news: Major Gaston Sirino decision taken! READ MORE • Orlando Pirates transfer news: Heartbreak for African star! According to trending reports, Kaizer Chiefs have made an approach for Thembinkosi Lorch. The Glamour have welcomed six new players to Naturena already. Unfortunately for Chiefs fans though, none of have been high-profile signings. The club know very well that to turn their fortunes around, they'll need to pull the proverbial rabbit out of the hat with their next signing. And it's for this reason that Kaizer Chiefs are reportedly working on landing Lorch from their rivals! 'According to AfricaFoot and published by Sport Lesiteinfo , Chiefs have reportedly shown interest in the creative midfielder,' a Soccer Laduma report read. 'This could be a new challenge for him. He could be looking at a team and place where he could be happy, appreciated and play,' former Kaizer Chiefs defender Dominic Isaacs told the same publication. 'Going to Chiefs could be a good move for him. As long as he can be in his right mind, a move to Chiefs would not be bad at all.' READ MORE • How much Orlando Pirates paid for Oswin Appollis! Should Kaizer Chiefs FC's management go all out to sign Lorch? While a deal is indeed complicated, it definitely remains a possibility! Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by also emailing info@ or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. You can also follow @ TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
Morocco World
05-08-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
Wydad Blow It: Lorch Deal on the Brink as Club Refuses Demands
South African winger Thembinkosi Lorch is at the centre of a transfer tussle after Wydad Casablanca failed to secure a permanent deal following a successful loan spell, Africafoot reports. The 30-year-old impressed during the second half of the 2024/25 season with the Moroccan side, notably starring in the FIFA Club World Cup against Manchester City and scoring against Juventus. However, Wydad were unable to meet the $600,000 buyout clause before the deadline. Lorch, who is no longer part of Mamelodi Sundowns' plans, is now attracting interest from Kaizer Chiefs (South Africa), FC Seoul (South Korea), and Al Ettifaq (Saudi Arabia). Wydad remain keen, though financial constraints may hinder a late move. According to Africafoot, Sundowns initially valued the player at around €1 million, but may lower the asking price due to a lack of interest. Lorch's agent has reportedly received concrete offers from the three other clubs, with a decision expected soon. Lorch has yet to return to Sundowns following the end of his loan. Speaking after Sundowns' 4-0 MTN8 quarter-final win over Richards Bay FC, head coach Miguel Cardoso declined to confirm whether the winger would remain at the club. 'Regarding Lorch, just like with Mudau, Lucas, and Peter, I'm not going to discuss it,' Cardoso said. 'But with Lorch, it's a situation that comes from the past, and those will be addressed and solved by the club. In proper time, you will have the information that will be public.' Lorch joined Sundowns from Orlando Pirates in January 2024, but has struggled for consistent game time. Tags: botola proLorchMamelodi Sundowns
The Citizen
05-08-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Sundowns must tackle player discontent before its too late
It's almost unheard of for players at Sundowns to effectively down tools in an attempt to force moves The growing uncertainty surrounding several unhappy players at Mamelodi Sundown should never have been allowed to fester for this long. The club ought to have nipped the issue in the bud well before the new PSL season kicked off. Sundowns warning If the powers that be at Chloorkop aren't careful, the culture of a quiet and honest changing room could soon become a thing of the past. It's almost unheard of for players at Sundowns to effectively down tools in an attempt to force moves, yet that seems to be exactly what's unfolding. ALSO READ: Sundowns reject offer for Mudau, player wants improved terms Failure by the club's hierarchy to act decisively sends the wrong message to promising youngsters like Siyabonga Mabena and Malibongwe Khoza. It sets a dangerous precedent if senior players are allowed to operate on their own terms without accountability. This is not necessarily about whether the players are right or wrong, it's about poor leadership. The issues involving Lucas Ribeiro, Khuliso Mudau, Thembinkosi Lorch and Peter Shalulile have been allowed to drag on unresolved for far too long. That indecision has now put head coach Miguel Cardoso in an undesirable position, forced to deflect questions that should be directed to the club's leadership. Lorch, for example, was clearly a Rulani Mokwena signing. Once Mokwena left, Lorch's place in the squad became uncertain. His loan to Wydad Casablanca wasn't surprising. However, what is surprising is why the club is now struggling to offload him when he's clearly not in Cardoso's plans The club now finds itself in an embarrassing situation, with certain players seemingly absconding from training and breaking their contractual obligations. Lorch hasn't returned to training since his loan spell in Morocco ended, and Mudau also failed to report for pre-season preparations at the Royal Marang Hotel in Rustenburg. Shalulile influence on the wane Even in Shalulile's case, the way he was used sparingly by Cardoso raised questions about his future. The Namibian striker was given just 13 minutes in the final match against Fluminense at the FIFA Club World Cup, and it doesn't take a genius to realise his influence has waned. To be fair, a player of Shalulile's stature, and one chasing the PSL all-time goalscoring record, deserves far more respect ALSO READ: Sundowns' Cardoso deflects questions on absent stars The Ribeiro situation is slightly more complex. Everyone knew his time in the PSL would be short-lived because he's simply outgrown the domestic league. Sundowns have aspirations of becoming a global football brand, but these unresolved matters have exposed organisational shortcomings.
The South African
05-08-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Sundowns to make big announcements
Mamelodi Sundowns are expected to clarify the futures of key players Lucas Ribeiro Costa and Khuliso Mudau. The duo stars were notably absent from the squad that comfortably defeated Richards Bay 4-0 in the MTN8 quarterfinal, fuelling speculation about their status at Sundowns. Ribeiro has been the subject of intense transfer interest, while Mudau is locked in a dispute over a new contract deal with the club. Released Orlando Pirates striker joining fourth PSL club? Sundowns star Lucas Ribeiro attempts a bicycle kick against Orlando Pirates in the Betway Premiership. Image: Sowetan As reported last week, the 26-year-old Brazilian left the club's training camp in the wake of advanced talks to join Qatar SC or Fluminense in Brazil. Latest on Kaizer Chiefs and Nigerian striker Meanwhile, right-back Mudau (30) has reached the end of his contract, with negotiations over a new deal still unresolved. Although Sundowns hold a one-year extension option and have tabled an improved offer, no agreement has been reached. The defender is also believed to be attracting attention from clubs in North Africa. Additionally, Peter Shalulile (31) is linked with a move to Esperance in Tunisia. 'Regarding Lorch, like Lucas, like Peter, like Mudau, I will not be discussing here,' Sundowns coach Cardoso said via Kick Off . 'Lorch is the situation that is coming from the past and will also be addressed by the club at the proper time, and you will have the information and will be made to the public for sure', he added.
