Okay, so did Thembinkosi Roach piss off Orlando Pirates boss Irvin Khoza? According to reports, the manager wanted the player to stay rather than join Mamelodi Sundowns.
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Mamelodi Sundowns sign Thembinkosi Roach from Orlando Pirates
Sundowns have made a headline signing as they prepare for the deep stages of the CAF Champions League.
Pirates confirmed Roach's departure to Sundowns on Friday's deadline day.
“Following discussions with Chairman Dr Irvin Khoza and Mamelodi Sundowns management, Thembinkosi Roach has decided to leave Orlando Pirates Football Club,” Pirates said in a statement.
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“The club would like to thank Nyoso for his significant contribution to adding a new chapter to the club's history.
The Pirates concluded, “We wish him and his family every success in their future sporting endeavors.''
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Report: Cosa upset
Pirates were hoping to sign the 30-year-old to a new contract, according to the Sunday World newspaper, reported by the Citizen.
“Roach had two options: sign for Sundowns or go to the Middle East with Pitso Mosimane. He has long been keen to join Mosimane at one of his former clubs. “The official said.
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“He had always expressed a strong interest in playing abroad. He had no desire to renew and the situation at Pirates became difficult for him.
“It all happened so quickly. Both clubs agreed on compensation and Roach was told a deal had been finalized with Sundowns,” another source added.
“He's been unhappy for a while (at Pirates) but you can see it in his body language on the field as well. His eyes were now on Sundowns. And more than anything, it was just a business matter. It was a decision. He got a huge offer and accepted it.”
The Bloemfontein-born star joined Pirates from Maruti FET University in 2015. He was immediately loaned to Cape Town All Stars for that season and then to Chippa United until 2016.
The attacking midfielder returned to Soweto in 2017.
Roach left Pirates after scoring 34 goals and 30 goals in 176 games, including the MTN8, Nedbank Cup and PSL Player of the Year titles.
You can read more articles by Siseko Gwegwe here.
