Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi says Thembinkosi Lorch is contracted to the club and has a responsibility to deliver for the club.
There’s been question marks surrounding the players’ future after the exit of Rulani Mokwena who was said to be the key figure for his signing from Orlando Pirates.
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Speculation has been overdrive that the club may deem his surplus to requirements as the club’s Sporting Director Flemming Berg was not particularly keen on his transfer.
When asked about his head space going into the new season, as he returned from injury, Mngqithi stated he’s looking good and returning to full fitness.
“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,” he said about Lorch’s fitness and head space going into the season opener.
“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.
“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 he if he doesn’t not deliver for Sundowns we have many other options. So it’s natural for every player to want to fight for his place.”
Sundowns open their MTN8 and 2024/25 season against Polokwane City on Sunday afternoon at the Lucas Moripe Stadium after a month in Austria where they endured a strenuous pre-season programme.
“It’s exciting to play a cup match regardless of who you are playing against because it’s a time to check where your team is exactly,” he said at the MTN8 media day at Chloorkop.
“It’s always sad when it’s a cup match because there’s no room for error but I think the team is prepared quite well.
“We’re playing against a team that was [unbeaten] in the last five matches of the season after the 5-0 of Stellenbosch. So the team is strong, we drew against them, so we know what we’re up against.”
The two sides meet in Atteridgeville on Sunday at 15h00.
