Ex-Chiefs star slams Downs for letting Lorch leave amid Ribeiro exit saga

Former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Michael Nkambule has questioned Mamelodi Sundowns‘ decision to allow Thembinkosi Lorch to leave the club while Lucas Ribeiro‘s future is uncertain.

‘Nyoso’ was loaned to Wydad Casablanca last year after just a few months at the club. In Morocco, Lorch impressed and even got a chance to shine in the FIFA Club World Cup. The Moroccan giants decided to sign the ex-Orlando Pirates winger permanently last week.

Last week, reports emerged that Downs striker Lucas Ribeiro was demanding to leave the club. With Lorch gone and Ribeiro likely to depart, Nkabule says the club should have kept Nyoso.

“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?” the ex-Chiefs midfielder questioned on Junior Khanye TV YouTube Channel.

“They should have kept Lorch and 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’,” Nkambule added.

Sundowns to lose both Lorch and Ribeiro

“Sundowns should have taken the advantage, because he’s their player, knowing they’ll lose a player like Ribeiro. They should have taken 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?” Nkambule questioned again.

Ribeiro has not featured for Sundowns this season following his transfer saga. Masandawana have struggled for consistency so far in the new campaign and many supporters feel the Brazilian striker left a void in attack.