Mamelodi Sundowns are set to lure Orlando Pirates playmaker Thembinkosi Lorch to the club on transfer deadline day.
Sundowns have been long-term admirers of Lorch and there’s been speculation around his future that he could be heading to Chloorkop over the last six months, with suggestions that talks of personal terms took place in the off-season.
Sources have confirmed to iDiski Times that personal terms have already been agreed with Masandwana, however, should the two clubs not agree on a transfer fee – the move is likely to be on hold until June.
At present, Lorch issued no indication to teammates at Pirates that he would be leaving, with the player having attended training this morning but Sundowns are confident of finalising the deal within the upcoming hours.
It will mark a blockbuster move for the Buccaneers’ fan-favourite who head coach Rulani Mokwena views as a perfect addition to lessen the work-load of veteran playmaker Themba Zwane who is currently on international duty with South Africa at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
While Sporting Director Flemming Berg is not particular in favour of the move, Mokwena insisted Lorch would be a welcomed addition to the squad, in favour of a new number nine the club has notably been chasing to help add competition to Peter Shalulile.
In what can be viewed as an exercise of power from Mokwena against the Sporting Director, it will undoubtedly add pressure, with the target of winning the CAF Champions League in mind this season.
Sundowns have also agreed terms with 23-year-old Matthews who was one of the standout players in the Allsvenskan last season with 11 goals and 10 assists in 33 games.
The forward, who was one of the players who would have felt hard done by missing a place in the AFCON squad, is said to be doing his medical in Denmark, about an hour away from his base in Sweden, as Sundowns look to speed up the process of another sensational deadline day move.
Mokwena’s side has bolstered their squad with right-back Zuko Mdunyelwa and playmaker Matías Esquivel from Chippa United and Argentina club Club Atletico Lanus respectively.
