Mamelodi Sundowns, the defending DStv Premiership champions, orchestrated a dramatic conclusion to the January transfer window, securing the signature of one of the league’s prominent stars on the final day.

Thembinkosi Lorch, the Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana ace, joined the Brazilians in a reported R13 million deal.

Despite rumors circulating since the end of the previous season, the announcement of the 30-year-old’s departure from the Buccaneers on Friday evening still caught many by surprise.

Orlando Pirates released a statement confirming the move, stating, “Thembinkosi Lorch is to leave Orlando Pirates Football Club after a discussion between the chairman Dr Irvin Khoza and the Mamelodi Sundowns hierarchy.”

Lorch, known for scoring 34 goals and providing 30 assists in his 176 appearances for Pirates, has faced challenges related to fitness and off-field controversies in recent seasons.

Mamelodi Sundowns showcased their financial prowess once again by making significant moves in the transfer market. In addition to Lorch, they strengthened their attacking unit with the acquisitions of South African-born Tashreeq Matthews and Argentine Matías Esquivel.

Matthews, who turned down opportunities in Europe and Major League Soccer, joined Sundowns from Swedish club IK Sirius. The 23-year-old boasted impressive statistics, registering 10 goals and 10 assists in 30 appearances during his final season with the Swedish club.

Esquivel, 24, signed a four-and-a-half-year deal with Sundowns, making the switch from Club Atletico Lanus in the Argentine Primera Division.

These three signings complete Sundowns’ acquisition of four new players, following the earlier addition of Zuko Mdunyelwa from Chippa United.

Orlando Pirates also took advantage of the transfer window to reinforce their squad, securing the services of young midfielder Thalenthe Mbatha on a six-month loan deal from SuperSport United, with an option to purchase at the end of the season. Additionally, the Sea Robbers announced the signing of 28-year-old ex-Chippa utility man Thabiso Lebitso on a two-and-a-half-year deal.

Cameroon-born striker Bienvenu Eva Nga bid farewell to Pirates, rejoining Chippa United. Meanwhile, Moroka Swallows made headlines by releasing 22 players due to misconduct, creating anticipation around potential arrivals in the coming weeks.

AmaZulu made surprising moves by parting ways with Sibusiso Mabiliso and Sphesihle Maduna, with the latter joining Cape Town Spurs. They also secured the loan signing of defender Sifiso Ngobeni and welcomed back Augustine Mulenga for his second stint, both on six-month deals.

Royal AM, based in Pietermaritzburg, faced uncertainty as they received another transfer ban amid unresolved issues with ex-defender Ricardo Nascimento. The club denied wrongdoing, expressing confidence in overturning the ban swiftly.

Source: IOL