There remains question marks on whether Mamelodi Sundowns carry a conflict against Thembinkosi Lorch, who was not deemed good enough as a short-term solution to Lucas Ribeiro Costa problem.
At the centre of former head coach Rulani Mokwena relieved of his duties at Mamelodi Sundowns, was allegedly that he had brought Lorch to the club from Orlando Pirates against the wishes of Sporting Director Flemming Berg.
Berg was reported to have been influential in showing Mokwena the exit door, as the pair were allegedly at loggerheads, particularly over the signing of players.
READ: Ribeiro Fights Sundowns For Exit
After an impressive showing by Lucas Ribeiro Costa at the FIFA Club World, it was becoming increasingly clear that interest over his services will peak and after the Brazilian was not included in Sundowns' matchday squad in their opening game against Richards Bay, rumours of his pending departure intensified.
It has since emerged that the reigning PSL Footballer of the Season has requested for his contract to be terminated by just cause, taking his matter to the FIFA Football Tribunal, as he alleges Sundowns are overpricing him with clubs such as Qatar SC's bids not accepted by the Tshwane giants.
READ: Pirates & Chiefs Early Fixtures A Threat To Downs' Season?
According to former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Michael Nkambule, Sundowns should have retained Lorch from his loan spell at Wydad Casablanca to plug the gap left by Costa.
"You can see that Ribeiro will leave, you have a player, Lorch, you loaned him out, he was performing, why didn't Sundowns keep Lorch?" Nkambule questioned on Junior Khanye TV YouTube Channel.
"They should have kept Lorch and give 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.
"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 asked.
Lorch has reportedly landed in Morocco to complete a permanent transfer to The Red Castle.
