In providing a blunt assessment of Thembinkosi Lorch's readiness for the season ahead, Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Manqoba Mngqithi may have unwittingly issued an ultimatum to the midfielder.
Lorch is in the unenviable position of having divided opinion even before walking through the gates at Chloorkop after his much-publicized shock move from Orlando Pirates on January transfer window deadline day.
It's no secret that while now former head coach Rulani Mokwena advocated for the skilful player's acquisition, Sporting Director Flemming Berg was firmly against bringing him on board, especially with the age factor taken into consideration.
This is said to have been one of several issues that led to a breakdown in the relationship between Mokwena and Berg, with the former eventually unable to dodge the bullet following the end of last season.
From the outside looking in, this has left Lorch in no man's land, not knowing whether he would be the incoming coach's cup of coffee.
Fortunately, though, if if word coming from Mngqithi, during the club's media open day on Thursday ahead of the MTN8 quarterfinal against Polokwane City, is anything to go by, the 31-year-old will get a fair opportunity to stake a claim for regular game-time.
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'Nyoso', as he is affectionately known, has not been in action for Sundowns since May, where he was understood to have sustained an injury. He recently returned to training but will not be ready to feature on Sunday.
"He has not started full training but probably by the end of next week I think he will be in full training," confirms Mngqithi.
"So, once he is there, he is already close to helping us and I believe he will help us a lot. The system we are playing will allow him, probably, a little bit more of an edge and give us a little bit."
Chiefs fans look away....
— Sahil Ebrahim (@sahil_e_) May 2, 2024
I know its full time, but here is the goal that made it a thrashing 1-5. ??
Compliments of Thembinkosi Lorch pic.twitter.com/guMaI9YKsv
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Lorch contributed six goals and four assists in 30 appearances for the Tshwane giants last season, his best return since the 2018/19 season when he contributed 15 goals and five assists at Pirates.
Mngqithi, however, did not mince his words as to the expectation on Lorch's shoulders, saying that he will be tossed to the side if he fails to deliver what is expected of him.
"We believe he's in a good head-space, he understands he's employed by Sundowns, and he has a responsibility to deliver for Sundowns, and if he doesn't deliver for Sundowns, we have many other options. So, it's natural for every player to want to fight for his place."
The ultimatum will be ringing very loud in the ears of the player who found himself in hot water at the club after a video of him sandwiched by two unidentified women, seemingly in an inebriated state, went viral at the end of last season. Shape up or ship out, seems to be the thinly veiled message.