Innocent Maela hit hard by Lorch’s departure
Orlando Pirates skipper, Innocent Maela shared his feelings about fan favourite Thembinkosi Lorch leaving for Mamelodi Sundowns.
Thembinkosi Lorch’s departure from Orlando Pirates and joining rivals Mamelodi Sundowns, leaves Bucs skipper Innocent Maela emotional.
After joining Sundowns last month, Lorch could be unleashed by the Tshwane giants on Saturday and face Bucs skipper Maela.
ALSO READ I Ntsikelelo Nyauza finally lands new PSL team
Speaking to Sowetan in Soweto, the Bucs skipper Maela says they were always together with Lorch at Pirates.
At the same time, Maela says the new arrivals such as Thabiso Lebitso and Thalente Mbatha are quality players for the Bucs.
Maela’s sentiments come ahead of the eagerly anticipated DStv Premiership clash versus coach Rulani Mokwena’s Sundowns this weekend.
ALSO READ I Kaizer Chiefs vs Royal AM kickoff time
WHY INNOCENT MAELA IS EMOTIONAL ON LORCH’S DEPARTURE
During the build-up to the league clash, Mokwena failed to reveal their ambitions and plans around Lorch, the Bucs skipper, Maela looks back at his memories with the new Sundowns talented winger.
“I’ve shared special moments with Lorch. Through the eight years I’ve been here, he had always been by my side…we’ve always fought together,” says an emotional Bucs skipper Maela about Lorch.
ALSO READ I Kaizer Chiefs management lay out their demands
“So, when he left it was quite emotional, but we are mature enough to know that in football players come and go but the club remains.
ALSO READ I Julius Malema calls for Danny Jordaan’s resignation
“Personally, I wish him well and the team wishes him well where he’s at now.
“I mean, Lorch gave us beautiful moments and he’ll always be remembered for those moments.”
MAELA HAPPY WITH BUCS NEW SIGNINGS
The seasoned left-back, Maela adds that he has faith in the Bucs’ scouting department as they have Mbatha and Lebitso.
Under coach Jose Riveiro, Relebohile Mofokeng could be the man to fill the void left by Lorch and Maela praises the duo’s arrival.
ALSO READ I Bafana and Tondela star Sithole receives Serie A offer
“Look… top, top players. We support them and I am sure they’ll be able to contribute massively going forward,” adds the Bucs skipper Maela.
“I’ve always said this, we trust our leadership, we trust our management that whenever they bring in players, they bring in the best.
“They always bring in players who come in and improve us as a team.”