Mamelodi Sundowns' decision to loan Thembinkosi Lorch to Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca for the remainder of the 2024/25 season has raised plenty of questions, especially considering the club's usual reluctance to allow players to move to rival teams.
However, the key factor behind this decision has now been revealed.
While many factors contributed to the move, sources have indicated that it was Wydad's lack of CAF Champions League participation that ultimately played a decisive role in the deal.
Lorch's time at Sundowns had been less than ideal, with the 31-year-old making only five appearances for the Brazilians in the current Betway Premiership campaign.
Despite his pedigree and history of success at Orlando Pirates, Lorch's struggle to find consistent game time at Sundowns led to growing dissatisfaction. However, Sundowns' reluctance to part ways with players, especially to direct competitors, has always been part of their strategy.
As a rule, they rarely sell or loan players to rival clubs, even if the player in question is no longer content at the club.
However, in Lorch's case, the rules were bent. Wydad Casablanca, a powerhouse in African club football, has consistently been one of the top contenders in the CAF Champions League. Yet, their failure to qualify for this year's competition proved to be a game-changer.
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With no continental commitments on the horizon, Wydad did not fall into the category of a direct rival for Sundowns' continental ambitions, which opened the door for the loan move.
Rulani Mokwena, who had worked with Lorch both at Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, was instrumental in making the transfer happen.
Mokwena's familiarity with Lorch's capabilities and his understanding of what the player could bring to Wydad undoubtedly played a key role in the move. Reuniting with the 31-year-old for a third time provides both Mokwena and Lorch with a fresh opportunity to rekindle their connection and potentially reignite the midfielder's career.
The loan move to Wydad offers Lorch a chance to regain his confidence and form in a competitive environment, away from the intense pressure of being part of a star-studded Sundowns squad. It also allows Sundowns the flexibility to recall him should the need arise, while giving the player an opportunity to play regular football.
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