Former Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Benedict Tso Vilakazi has admitted he was shocked that the Buccaneers allowed Thembinkosi Lorch to joined Sundowns.
Lorch completed a move to the defending DStv Premiership champions on deadline day of the recently closed transfer window, having stayed at Pirates since 2015.
Vilakazi says he was shocked by this move, adding that he understands there could have been other factors like money that could have influenced Nyoso’s decision.
“I was very surprised when I found out about the news,” Tso told iDiski Times.
“I am shocked that Orlando Pirates have allowed their key player to join their rivals. Thembinkosi Lorch was an important player for Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns were fighting against Pirates for the league title.
“I’m not saying it’s a bad move, I’m just saying I didn’t see it coming. None of us saw this coming.
“There have always been rumours that Lorch wants to go overseas. Maybe the player has always wanted to leave after winning the Player of the Season.
“Sometimes a player is not in a rush to come back from injury and us former players, we know what that means. Sometimes it means a player is not too keen to continue with the club. I’m speculating from experience.
“Another factor is money. Clubs need to respect players when it comes to money. We are professionals, we are not children.
“Pirates have lost many heroes to Sundowns. Myself, Lebogang Mokoena, Oupa Manyisa, Teko Modise and more. There is a reason for that and I think clubs need to respect players when it comes to money.”
