Sundowns head coach Rulani Mokwena is considering the idea of featuring Thembinkosi Lorch on his debut against Orlando Pirates. But he keeps his cards close to his chest.
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Will Roach play against Orlando Pirates?
Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates face off on Saturday, February 17, and the possibility of Thembinkosi Lorhi playing against his former club is an obvious subplot. Roach swapped Pirates for Sundowns three weeks ago. Downs coach Rulani Mokwena didn't say much about the topic on Radio 2000.
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Lulani knows Roach well from Orlando Pirates
“He (Rorch) has been training with the team like the other players and seems to be in good shape, but he still has a lot of work to do physically.”
“His performances will speak for themselves and he knows that. He has a responsibility like many players and meritocracy is very important at Sundowns. He has to work as hard as any other player to earn and deserve a start.”
Lorch produced arguably his best football in 2018/19 at Pirates under coach Milutin Sredojevic, who was supported by Mokwena. He won the PSL Player of the Season award and Mokwena hopes to recreate some of that magic.
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Mokwena is a big fan of Roach's work
“I don't need to speak for Lorch. I think everyone knows the ability he produces and I know him personally because we worked together during the season when he was the player of the season. Yes,” Mokwena added.
“Everyone can attest that if he had played at that level, he would have played with his quality in the second AFCON. If you remember the 2018/19 season, Lorch had nine assists and seven goals from his midfield position and could have scored more.
“He is the type of player who has a huge impact in and around the box. He is a very versatile player but the responsibility is on us to support him as well as any other player. The onus is on them to make sure they are better versions of themselves and let their talent do the rest. That's why they're at Sundowns because they have the qualities to be here. Because I believe there is.”
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Meanwhile, hit up james freemantle For more insight, analysis and love of the beautiful game.
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