Cardoso Justifies Lorch’s Departure from Sundowns: “Players Must Be Happy to Perform”

Miguel Cardoso, the current head coach of Mamelodi Sundowns, has justified the recent reunion of Thembinkosi Lorch with Rhulani Mokwena, following the midfielder’s departure from the defending Premier Soccer League champions. Lorch, who had joined Sundowns from Orlando Pirates in January 2024, has had a challenging time settling in at the club. His lack of consistent game time and apparent unhappiness led to a decision to let him leave the club and join Wydad AC in February 2025.

Cardoso explained that Lorch was not content with his situation at Sundowns, which is vital for any player to thrive in their environment. He emphasized that players need to be in the right context to perform and that the club cannot sustain players who are not in a positive mindset. Despite having made seven appearances across all competitions in the ongoing season, Lorch had mostly featured as a substitute, scoring one goal and providing an assist. This lack of regular game time, coupled with his dissatisfaction, made it necessary for the club to part ways with the 31-year-old midfielder.

Cardoso’s comments reflect a focus on player happiness and well-being, noting that sometimes players need the “air they need to breathe” in order to regain their form and find the game-time they require. Lorch, who is no longer a young player, needed a change to continue progressing in his career. Cardoso concluded by stating that it was important to allow Lorch to move on, given that he hadn’t been playing much lately.

Thembinkosi Lorch now has a fresh opportunity to revive his career at Wydad AC, where he will look to prove himself and deliver consistent performances. With a few years left in his playing career, Lorch will be keen to make the most of this chance to secure regular game time and reclaim his top-tier status.