Nedbank Cup Final: Lorch Omitted From Sundowns Squad

Thembinkosi Lorch will not be part of the Mamelodi Sundowns squad that will face Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup final tomorrow, Saturday 1 June.

In a pre-match conference on Thursday, 30 May, coach Rhulani Mokwena said that the attacking midfielder will not be present at Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga:

“On Lorch, is he available for Saturday? No. He’s not available for Saturday … when it comes to players, you will get no negative word [sic] from me. I always protect my players in the media.”

When pressed for more information, Mokwena added that Lorch sustained an unspecified injury during their DStv Premiership game against Stellenbosch FC on 10 May, and that he may have to undergo surgery.

However, many folks believe that Lorch’s omission from the squad is his punishment for his off-field behaviour after Sundowns clinched their seventh Premier Soccer League championship trophy last weekend.

A video clip of the 30-year-old, seemingly intoxicated while dancing with two unknown women at a pub, went viral on social media. This prompted a wave of backlash from fans, which in turn led Lorch to reach out to Mokwena for support.

Here’s hoping Mamelodi Sundowns can make do without Lorch when they face off against Orlando Pirates tomorrow!

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