The off-season moves at Mamelodi Sundowns have left fans and pundits scratching their heads.
With key players leaving and questions surrounding the squad’s depth, former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Michael Nkambule has voiced his concerns about the club’s handling of two prominent attacking talents.
Nkambule specifically questioned why the Brazilians allowed Thembinkosi Lorch to leave while striker Lucas Ribeiro’s future hangs in the balance.
Lorch’s Moroccan Success and Permanent Move
Lorch, often nicknamed “Nyoso,” spent only a few months at Sundowns before being loaned to Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca last year.
During his time in Morocco, the former Orlando Pirates winger impressed fans and pundits alike, even earning the opportunity to shine on the global stage at the FIFA Club World Cup.
Last week, Wydad made his move permanent, a decision that has left Sundowns supporters wondering why the club didn’t retain such a high-performing talent.
Nkambule Questions Sundowns’ Choices
Speaking on the Junior Khanye TV YouTube channel, Nkambule didn’t hold back.
“You can see that Ribeiro will leave. You have a player, Lorch; you loaned him out, and he was performing.
Why didn’t Sundowns keep Lorch?” he asked.
He added, “They should have given him a chance if we’re being honest.
He proved himself at the Club World Cup; everybody was happy, saying, ‘We want to see him in the Bafana squad.’”
Potential Creative Problems Ahead
Nkambule warned that the club might face creative struggles moving forward.
“Sundowns should have taken the advantage because he’s their player, knowing they’ll lose a player like Ribeiro. They should have kept Lorch.
Now they have creative problems. I saw the coach wants to come with his own players. If the team was winning, why change things?”
The Brazilian striker Ribeiro hasn’t featured for Sundowns this season amid transfer uncertainties, leaving the team searching for consistency in attack.
Many fans feel his potential departure has left a notable void in the squad.
Coach Miguel Cardoso Under Scrutiny
With Sundowns struggling to find their rhythm and big names leaving, questions now turn to head coach Miguel Cardoso.
Can he adjust the squad effectively and maintain their dominance in South African football?
Supporters will be watching closely as the season progresses, hoping the club’s transfer decisions don’t derail their ambitions.
