With Themba Zwane turning 35 this year, retired footballer Lebohang Mokoena feels that the signing of Thembinkosi Lorch is a long term replacement for the Mamelodi Sundowns captain.
The announcement made by Pirates on deadline day on Friday, confirming that their star player is leaving for Sundowns, was arguably the biggest of the January transfer window. Like Lorch, Mokoena left Pirates for Sundowns, going on to win the league title with the Tshwane giants.
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If there is anyone who would know what Lorch should expect after leaving Pirates for Chloorkop, it's Mokoena. That's why he has sound advice for the playmaker popularly known as 'Nyoso'.
"It's a shock for Buccaneers because he was one of those favourites. But as supporters they must understand that players also want to grow and some decisions are made by the club. It's a bit heartbreaking for the fans. He has done so much for Pirates, brought in that flavour," Mokoena said to the Siya crew.
"My advice for him going to Sundowns is that it should rejuvenate him and he should see it as a new challenge. Sometimes when you stay at a club too long, you end up losing that hunger or that ambition. Not to say he does not have hunger, but losing his position in the national team. He is missed in the national team for this AFCON.
"I think coach Rulani (Mokwena) knows how to get the best out of him. He will get his chance at Sundowns. He just needs to grab it because if he does not do well, you don't want to find a George Maluleka or a George Lebese situation and having to regret the decision."
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Lorch will add to the attacking flair at Sundowns and Mokoena sees the 30-year-old as someone who can fill the role of Zwane in the long run.
"I think with the quality he has, he will fit in well at Sundowns. They play so many games and challenge for honours, so he will get that opportunity to get back into the national team. He should take it as a motivation to achieve more. He won cups and did well for Pirates and I think he will do well. But he must grab his opportunity because it's easy to go down the pecking order. I think coach Rulani is looking at Mshishi's age (Zwane) and saying that maybe he needs to find someone who can fill in those shoes because Lorch is a quality player."
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