In what is likely to be another January transfer move of the season, Sunday World has it in good authority that Kaizer Chiefs are indeed working hard behind the scenes and engaging in talks with Mamelodi Sundowns for the signing of Thembinkosi Lorch. Talks between the Naturena boys and Terrence Mashego have apparently hit a snag over the selling price.
Lorch, who made a surprise switch from Orlando Pirates to Sundowns in January last year, is likely to be making another move that could shock the entire SA football fraternity.
It is well-known that one of the reasons why Sundowns sporting director Flemming Berg and former coach Rulani Mokwena had a fallout was the alleged forced signing of Lorch.
Immediately after the departure of Mokwena to Moroccan giants Wydad Athletic Club, Berg is said to have wanted to offer Amakhosi Lorch and Sipho Mbule, amongst a long list of other players – with Mbule ending up at Sekhukhune United on loan at the start of the season.
With just days remaining until the transfer window closes, it is yet to be seen if the Glamour Boys will secure the signature of Lorch and bolster their attack, which is currently led by youngsters Mduduzi Shabalala, Wandile Duba, and Mfundo Vilakazi.
Another player that Chiefs wanted to sign from Sundowns was defender Mashego. But the deal is off the table after the two parties failed to reach the common ground over the selling price.
Said an insider closer to the events: “The objective is for Lorch to assist the youngsters Mduduzi Shabalala and Mfundo Vilakazi in attack and he is not playing at Sundowns. The club could be making an announcement at the end of the transfer period.”
Amakhosi are also locked in talks with Bafana Bafana midfielder Thabo Cele, who is free to join a club of his choice following his sudden exit from Russian club FC Fakel Voronezh last week.
Cele is a player that has been on Chiefs’ radar and linked with the club for some time.
So far, even though the club has not made any official announcements, Amakhosi have landed the signing of striker Tashreeq Morris from SuperSport United, with Christian Saile going the opposite direction. Chiefs are said to have also signed DR Congo winger Glody Makabi Lilepo from French third-division side Valenciennes FC last week.
Chiefs are expected to make their signing announcements during the week ahead of the Soweto derby against Pirates and a tough second half of the Betway Premiership season. “It would be foolish for us not to be doing anything in this window. So, we have been working tirelessly every day with the technical staff, the management, and the committee behind the scenes to make sure that we make the right decisions,” said the articulate Kaizer Chiefs sporting director Kaizer Motaung jnr said.
Club communications manager Vina Maphosa declined to comment on the matter but did not accept nor deny that the club is working on the two deals.
“Unfortunately, I can’t comment on that, we only make announcements and don’t comment on talks or discussions about other players,” Maphosa said.
“So, we only make announcements once we have completed signing a player. I can’t accept or deny something that I have not received from the office.”
