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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<ul><li>Lorch joined Downs on the final day of January transfer window</li><li>The attacker has been at Bucs since 2015</li><li>Mokwena makes his case</li></ul><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script>

Lorch warned by Mamelodi Sundowns coach Mokwena ahead of Orlando Pirates reunion - 'He has to work very hard like everybody else'

Premier Soccer League

Royal AM

Orlando Pirates

Mamelodi Sundowns FC

TS Galaxy

<a href="https://www.goal.com/en-za/lists/thembinkosi-lorch-fan-favourite-dumps-orlando-pirates-for-mamelodi-sundowns/blt2a9edee5f6a00410" target="_blank">Lorch was a fans' favourite and a key player at Pirates</a> before the Premier Soccer League defending champions signed him a couple of weeks ago.The creative attacker <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-za/lists/done-deals-confirmed-transfers-by-psl-clubs-in-2023-south-african-winter-transfer-window/bltad28b3b89ea4dce8" target="_blank">was one of the four players Mokwena signed</a> ahead of the second half of the ongoing season.Despite his experience and impact at Bucs, Lorch will not find it easy at Masandawana as explained by the coach.

WHAT HAPPENED?

"Lorch's performances will speak for themselves and he knows that," the 37-year-old Mokwena told Radio2000."He has that responsibility like a lot of the players at Sundowns; meritocracy for us is very important and Lorch has to work very hard like everybody else to earn a place in the team; merit a start like everybody."

WHAT MOKWENA SAID

Since returning to Pirates, from his Chippa United loan spell in the 2016/17 season, Lorch had been a starter when fit and available.Lorch had arrived at Pirates in 2015 and apart from the several Cups he won, the now 30-year-old won the 2019 PSL Footballer of the Season and Players Player of the Season Awards.At Masandawana, Lorch will face stiff competition from equally talented teammates and will have no option but to work harder to prove his worth.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Lorch might be in the matchday squad on Saturday when <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-za/match/mamelodi-sundowns-fc-vs-orlando-pirates/bsmxpyn5uzl786307uv08lhxw" target="_blank">Sundowns host his former team Pirates</a> in the league assignment at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.The Brazilians - who have played 14 games, two less than the Soweto giants, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/match/mamelodi-sundowns-fc-vs-orlando-pirates/bsmxpyn5uzl786307uv08lhxw" target="_blank">lead the race for the title with 38 points</a>, 13 more than fifth-placed Bucs.A win for Bucs will potentially put them in the race for the title, but a loss will reduce them to a Caf Champions League-chasing team, meaning they will be aiming at finishing second just like in the 2022/23 season.

WHAT NEXT?

Lorch warned by Mamelodi Sundowns coach Mokwena ahead of Orlando Pirates reunion - 'He has to work very hard like everybody else' | Goal.com

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rhulani Mokwena has warned Thembinkosi Lorch there is no free ticket to the starting XI.

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