Orlando Pirates fans will still be reeling from the dramatic deadline-day transfer of Thembinkosi Lorch.
Lorch abruptly left the Buccaneers for rival club Mamelodi Sundowns and now, in their first fixture of 2024, the two giants meet!
Former Bucs striker James Mothibi has opened up on the prospect of Lorch facing his former side, and what reaction you can ‘expect’ from Pirates fans.
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“I am not able to say who mustn’t boo who and I do not have control over that. Lorch has been a fan favourite at Pirates and if the supporters feel that booing him to unsettle him is something that will work for the team against Sundowns, I won’t blame them.” Mothibi told SoccerLaduma.
“But I am not condoning the booing of players especially if it’s done in an appropriate manner. My understanding is that in football you can unsettle the opposition in an appropriate way if you feel that will help your team to win the match.”
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In other news, Mamelodi Sundowns senior coach Manqoba Mngqithi was left highly impressed with Bafana Bafana winger Oswin Appollis.
Appollis made his Africa Cup of Nations debut in South Africa’s penalty shootout victory over DR Congo in the bronze medal match.
The Polokwane City midfielder was introduced in the 58th minute and certainly left his mark on the experienced Mamelodi Sundowns mentor.
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“Second half I think we made some very intelligent substitutions. The Monare change was a big one, the Appollis change was a big one,” Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi said, as quoted as IdiskiTimes.
“For me, this boy is one for the future. This Appollis, I believe he could’ve done so much more for us had he had more opportunities at this tournament.
“He could’ve even had an assist in this match. It would’ve been nice to see [Jayden] Adams in this match, because I do believe that learning would’ve helped.”
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