How Thembinkosi Lorch decision ended ex-Mamelodi Sundowns star Bradley Ralani's hopes of joining Orlando Pirates - 'I spoke to the chairman Irvin Khoza, in person'

Bradley Ralani spent over a decade in Europe, playing in Denmark and Sweden where he was coached by Barcelona legend Henrik Larsson. On his return home with months left in his contract in Scandanavia, a possible move to Orlando Pirates was on the cards, but the deal fell through. The Buccaneers chose to go with a younger and more energetic Thembinkosi Lorch, who was on loan at Chippa United at the time, as they saw a future investment.

Ralani revealed this on Andile Ncube’s radio show, sparking discussions about what could have been. Many listeners wondered how his career would have turned out in the black and white of Pirates but instead, he signed for Cape Town City, where he became a club legend. His journey eventually led him to Mamelodi Sundowns, where he won a league title under Rhulani Mokwena.

“I spoke to the chairman, [Dr] Irvin Khoza, in person, but the move to Pirates never materialized,” Ralani told Andile Ncube on Metro FM’s Sports Night Amplified.

“During the last six months, Lorch was on form at Chippa and was younger than me and they decided to go with him.

“Emile Witbooi did go to Chiefs for two weeks, but they rejected him because he was too small,” he said.

Ralani is now focused on helping Hungry Lions push for promotion, he joined the side after parting ways with Cape Town Spurs. The 37-year-old never represented his country despite his talent, but his son is making waves in South African football and gaining attention. Emile Witbooi is Cape Town City's youngest player to feature in the league, as he made his debut against AmaZulu and showed why he was in demand before the Citizens tied him down.

He played a key role in Vela Khumalo’s U-17 team that qualified for Afcon and will be hoping that his side will make him available for the tournament in April, which will be held in Morocco. Kaizer Chiefs had an opportunity to have the youngster in their books when they assessed him but ruled him out due to his small frame. He later impressed at Chelsea but could not sign as he is under 18.

Hungry Lions sit in ninth place after 20 games played with eight points of a spot for the promotion and relegation spot.

They have collected 26 points so far and with 10 games left in the MFC, the team hopes to avoid relegation.

Their next match is against Milford and they need a win to stay competitive.