Sundowns' coach spoke about their new signing before the Pirates game

(Source: www.idiskitimes.co.za)

Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns will battle for the all-important maximum points at Loftus Verfeld Stadium on Saturday night. What's on everyone's mind is the availability of the former Pirates star Thembinkosi Lorch who recently made headlines for signing for their arch-rivals Downs. There have been videos of him preparing for his new journey at Chloorkop. Now, it would be interesting to see if he'll be part of the side that will face his former team. Although it would be a bitter-sweet moment for Nyoso as he's been part of the Soweto giants for almost a decade.

Nevertheless, the Downs head coach Rulani Mokwena has spoken about this matter as the fans are wondering if he'll make his debut against his former side. Lorch does have information about his former teammates which can be used when he's on the pitch. Surely, it might be a gamble that Mokwena would want to take just for the sake of three points. As he knows that an attack-minded player has the ability to destroy the opponents. But Mokwena feels thar he'll Jace to battle for his position in the starting eleven, nothing will be given on a silver platter. “Lorch comes into the team, and he knows he has to earn the right to play,” he told local journalists.

Furthermore, the Tshwane giants do have a deadly attack which will give the coaches a headache when it comes to choosing their starting eleven. The 30-year-old star has been looking fit, despite all the challenges he had go through last year. "He has to fight like everybody else has to fight for a place in this team and meritocracy is such an important part of my coaching principles," said the Downs coach speaking to the media.

Johnson gives an update on the Chiefs' captain

(Source: www.idiskitimes.co.za)

The Kaizer Chiefs caretaker coach Cavin Johnson has spoken about the absence of his captain Itumeleng Khune. The fans have been wondering about his availability since he's been a key player at Naturena over the years. His presence cannot be ignored as he's been part of the Soweto Giants for over a decade now. When Chiefs battled against Royal AM at Harry Gwala Stadium this past Sunday, Khune wasn't part of the travelling squad. He was suspended due to allegedly arriving to training drunk last year which has put him in a difficult position with the club.

According to Johnson, nothing has changed about Itu's situation as he remains off the radar. It's still not clear when he'll be available for selection as he's currently keeping fit in the comfort of his home. What surprised fans was that Khune was part of the PSL All-Star XI in the Carling Label Cup whereby he showed the reason behind he's one of the most popular goalkeepers in Africa. This was due to his work on the pitch, as he's able to begin an attack from the back and he can pinpoint players that can assist in his game plans.

On top of that, he's able to adjust his defense in a way that the opponents cannot break it. Sadly, the Chiefs fans will have to wait for the club to announce his future. At the moment, it's not clear if he'll be playing for Amakhosi for the remainder of the season or not. Nevertheless, the Soweto giants still have the likes of Bruce Bvuma and Brandon Petersen handling the goalkeeping department. “He’s still in the same situation that you guys find in the media and the club will do something once that is done,” Johnson said in the post-match against Royal AM.

The talking point in the Pirates and Sundowns game: Did Miguel deserve the red card?

(Source: Twitter.com - @NanguSompisi)

The football fraternity has been divided when it comes to the red card that was given to Miguel Timm in the previous weekend clash of the heavyweights. As Mamelodi Sundowns were able to get an upper hand in terms of numbers Orlando Pirates, as they appealed for a foul on their goalkeeper Ronwen Williams when he was still in his box trying to begin a counterattack. That's when Timm and his teammate Olisa Ndah obstructed him which caused a delay in the attack. Also, Williams wasn't pleased with the whole incident as he felt that it wasn't necessary for an opposition player to be impatient when the play began at Downs back.

Looking at the replays and screenshots, it's visible that the Pirates midfielder shouldn't have tried to impede the shot-stopper in his own half. Although the fans were arguing about the fact that Williams wasn't touched by any Buccaneers player, but he had all the rights to raise the incident to the match officials. Even though Timm was already booked, he should have done better, since he knows how football works. The opposition plan worked, as they were able to get one Pirates player removed, but that didn't necessarily they would win the game.

Also, when the referee reversed the yellow card that given to Ndah despite being part of the Pirates players that were involved in obstructing Williams from releasing the ball from his hands. It wasn't even a danger zone, for the Buccaneers players to cause any unnecessary fouls. Although the match finished on a 1-1 draw, Sundowns will look back at this game and wonder what they could have done better to walk away with a victory.

Former Chiefs player talks about Sundowns recent addition

(Source: www.goal.com)

The former Kaizer Chiefs winger Junior Khanye has shared a few words around Mamelodi Sundowns recent signing Thembinkosi Lorch. After making a debut against Orlando Pirates at Loftus Verfeld Stadium this past weekend which wasn't expected for him to walk into the starting eleven. However, his showing has impressed Khanye who felt that he's a great addition at Chloorkop. Also, he'll a superb competition for the Downs deputy captain Themba Zwane who has been playing more games within the club. Although, he needed to be rested after he part of the bronze winning Bafana Bafana side at the African Cup of Nations.

This has given Lorch an opportunity to be getting game time which is what he needs to show why Rulani Mokwena signed him from the Buccaneers. Especially when there was an age factor, but Sundowns plans per season, and they'll recruit all the necessary players that they need at that time. As they're competing in the CAF Champions League and also, the Premier Soccer League (PSL). They have a tough schedule which will require a squad rotation, so that everyone gets a chance to play. “Lorch did very well, he fitted like a glove. There is competition for ‘Mshishi’ [Themba Zwane] now,” Khanye told iDiski TV as per Phakaaathi.

As time goes, the Downs technical team might want to try something different and pair both Lorch and Zwane together in their attack. Who knows maybe they might feed off each other's energies and end up becoming an impressive duo. “He [Zwane] is a legend for Sundowns, but now there is someone [also] there with a high profile who does well for himself. He was dynamic and he played well off the ball,” said Khanye speaking to the media.