Word from his mentor…

The Siya crew got in touch with Morena Ramoreboli, who coached Lorch at Maluti FET College in the lower ranks, to talk about the big move and why it could make him a better player and person.

“I think we should be honest. Any move a player makes is a good move if he has a reason to make that move. But it should not be a move that is motivated by the fact that he just wants to play for Sundowns. Lorch should not go to Sundowns and say, ‘This is my last contract.’ He should go to Sundowns and make an impact. I’ve seen players moving from a big club to another big club and fail to achieve because the mindset changes, where they think it’s their last contract as football players. Personally, as long as it’s a move that will challenge and will make him work extra hard, I am happy for him and wish him all the best. Lorch is a talented individual. With the pressure and challenges at Sundowns, it will help him to be a better person, a better player and a better professional. I think he moved at the right time. People might not be happy and it’s understandable. Pirates’ supporters loved Lorch and they believed in him so much. But I think he moved at the right time when he is mature enough to make his own decisions, where no one would have influenced him to make a decision to go to Sundowns. I don’t even think his move was influenced by money.

I think he needs a new challenge and wants to try to achieve more and maybe be challenged as a player, especially in the continental tournaments. At his age, he was supposed to be a regular in the Bafana Bafana team. If you see what Themba Zwane is doing, Lorch has the same qualities. People with vision at Sundowns will say if we want somebody who can carry the pressure in the absence of Zwane, the only player who can do that in South Africa is Thembinkosi Lorch. I think it’s a good move and I wish him all the best. But like I said, it should not be a move where he just thinks he has done enough in football. It should be a move that motivates him. I know that he is a match winner and I know coach Rhulani will make him a better person.”