Former Mamelodi Sundowns winger Surprise Ralani has broken his silence on how his move to Orlando Pirates failed because of Thembinkosi Lorch.
Ralani, 37, currently turns out for Motsepe Foundation Championship outfit Hungry Lions having also played for Cape Town City and Cape Town Spurs upon his return from Europe.
The said move which never materialized occurred during the 2016/17 season when Lorch was shipped out to Chippa United on loan by Orlando Pirates, and when it looked liked ‘Nyoso’ would permanently move to the Eastern Cape, the Wydad Casablanca winger was recalled by the Buccaneers.
“I spoke to the chairman, [Dr] Irvin Khoza, in person, but the move to Pirates never materialized,” Ralani told Andile Ncube on Metro FM’s Sports Night Amplified.
“During the last six months, Lorch was on form at Chippa and was younger than me and they decided to go with him.”
The former Helsingborgs IF speedster also opened up on how his son Emile Witbooi was rejected by Kaizer Chiefs after just two weeks and how they are working around the clock to improve his physical attribute so that he’s ready for Europe in two years’ time.
“Emile Witbooi did go to Chiefs for two weeks but they rejected him because he was too small,” he said.
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“The football was there, but physicality was a problem.
“Similar to Messi, we putting him on a program to improve his physicality including diet and gym in order to prepare him for Europe.
“Emile is only 16. He can only be 18 before he signs a contract in Europe, so now it’s about getting him used to the European setup.
“Chelsea had a look at him, now he’s back at City to develop, when he’s 18, it would be easier for him to adapt to Europe.”
