Recent reports have suggested that a disagreement over the signing of Thembinkosi Lorch from Orlando Pirates was one of the reasons behind coach Rulani Mokwena's departure from Mamelodi Sundowns.
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This development raises questions about Lorch's future at Sundowns in the absence of Mokwena. However, former Sundowns midfielder Roger Feutmba believes that Lorch's position at the club remains secure and unaffected by these changes.
In an exclusive interview with Soccer Laduma, the Cameroonian-born legend emphasized that players at Sundowns are signed for the club's benefit, not solely for a specific coach.
"No, I don't think it will be difficult for him. You know at Sundowns we don't sign a player for a coach but for the club. I know when they signed him they believed in him and that he will add value to the team. So he should not be worried because the coach who was there when he signed, that he is now gone," Feutmba told the Siya crew.
"Him leaving now won't make sense to why he was signed in the first place. What he just needs to do is to prove to the technical team that he can do what he was signed to do and that he can do well. Yes, sometimes people say that but you now it's the player's job to play for themselves and for the team and not the coach," Feutmba told Soccer Laduma.
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Feutmba also pointed out that Lorch's familiarity with the current coaching staff, including coach Manqoba Mngqithi and Steve Komphela, is an advantage. Both coaches are well-acquainted with Lorch's capabilities and potential.
"Rulani leaving won't be a problem for him. He must just pull himself together and play for himself and his position. The good thing is that Manqoba (Mngqithi) and Steve (Komphela) know him very well and they know what he is capable of doing. He is a Sundowns player and he will be playing for Sundowns and not coach Rulani," Feutmba concluded.
This perspective underscores the professionalism and resilience expected of players at a top club like Sundowns, where the broader team strategy and club culture are designed to transcend individual coaching tenures.
Lorch's challenge now is to integrate effectively within the team's plans and demonstrate his value on the pitch, ensuring his contribution helps drive Sundowns towards continued success.
