Manqoba Mngqithi fires warning to Thembinkosi Lorch

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The Mamelodi Sundowns coach has not minced his words towards the attacker

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi has told midfielder Thembinkosi Lorch to start delivering for the club or lose his place in the team.

Lorch has been the subject of discussion since the departure of Rulani Mokwena, who specifically signed him in January this year, to strengthen his attack.

The former Orlando Pirates winger has, however, not set the stage a light in the yellow and blue of Sundowns and there have been reports that the Brazilians could offload him after just six months at Chloorkop.

Thembinkosi Lorch and Yan Sasse

Does Lorch have a future in Chloorkop?

Mngqithi has not lost patience with the player but wants him to start showing his qualities soon if he wants to enjoy his stay in Pretoria.

“Lorch is in a very good headspace, we were with him even this morning, he’s started training although he’s not into full training,” Mngqithi said, as quoted by iDiski Times.

“It’s him, [Sipho] Mbule are still out due to minor injuries, [Matias] Esquivel might be in… towards the end of the week due to a minor strain,” added the tactician while providing an injury update ahead of Sundowns’ MTN8 quarter-final against Polokwane City on Sunday.

‘Nyoso’ is yet to pull up trees at Sundowns

Lorch opens up on his time at Sundowns so far amid rumoured exit
Thembinkosi Lorch – Photo : Ryan Wilkisky / PA Images / Icon Sport

“But we believe he’s in a good headspace, he understands he’s employed by Sundowns, he has a responsibility to deliver for Sundowns. And if he does not deliver for Sundowns, we have many other options. So, it’s natural for every player to want to fight for his place.”

‘Nyoso’ made 17 appearances for Sundowns in all competitions last season, scoring three goals while providing as many assists.

Much more will be expected from him in 2024-25 and given he was Mokwena’s and not Sporting Director Flemming Berg’s signing, the spotlight will be on him. 

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Joel Oliver

Joel Oliver is a seasoned multimedia sports journalist with a rich background in covering diverse football stories and events in South Africa and beyond.
His extensive coverage spans subjects touching on the PSL, with a focus on the Big Three (Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs & Mamelodi Sundowns), Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana.