Pirates tabled offer for Lorch before shock Downs move

The Siya crew has been led to believe that Orlando Pirates tabled a two-year deal for midfielder Thembinkosi Lorch prior to announcing he would be joining rivals Mamelodi Sundowns last week.

It’s now been widely reported that the Bafana Bafana international was in the final six months of his contract with the Buccaneers and the club risked losing him on a free transfer in July.

So, in an effort to try hold on to the player, a new offer is thought to have been presented, but – as has since been confirmed by the fact that Lorch joined the Brazilians – the talisman did not put pen to paper.

What is not crystal clear was whether he turned it down because it was a lower package than what the Tshwane giants had enticed him with or if the 30-year-old was ready to cut ties with Pirates and move on.

Soccer Laduma has it on good authority there were discussions behind the scenes for Lorch to continue his career in the famous Black and White jersey without crossing over to Chloorkop in the middle of the season.

Reports have surfaced elsewhere that the player’s departure has rubbed the Houghton-based outfit’s hierarchy up the wrong way, which suggests he would have been expected to commit to the club for another two seasons at least.

In a statement released closer to midnight last Friday, the Soweto side revealed Lorch was given his clearance following talks between the two clubs – meaning it’s likely Sundowns paid a transfer fee.

But his exit wasn’t for a lack of trying for Pirates, as the Siya crew has since been informed after the deal was concluded.