Orlando Pirates look set to send youngster Cebo Mchunu out on loan again next season.
The Buccaneers signed the talented winger from Bizana Pondo Chiefs at the beginning of the season however he was immediately loaned out to Pretoria Callies.
After spending the season out in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, the 22 year old would’ve been hoping to return back to the club to fight for a place in Jose Riveiro’s squad in June.
However, it now appears that the club have decided to send their rising star out on loan again.
Another loan deal looming for Orlando Pirates youngster
“As much as he is a good player, the club feels he hasn’t reached that standard which will make him a regular at the club next season. That’s why he is set for another loan move. He won’t be the first player to do that,” a source told Soccer Laduma.
The source further went on to draw comparisons between Mchunu and Thembinkosi Lorch, who was also loaned out twice by the club during his decade long spell at Orlando Pirates.
“Even Thembinkosi Lorch was loaned out twice before coming back to the team. Then Lorch became a regular. It helps the players to grow and gain experience. It’s good for both the player and the club and that’s why they are loaning him out again next season,” the source added.
“They will wait for the season to finish and get the report from Pretoria Callies. First to see how he has performed this season before making the decision on where he he could be loaned to. But that’s the decision Orlando Pirates have taken to at least loan him again for one more season. Then they’ll give him the chance at the club to prove himself.”
‘Pirates never showed Lorch this love’
“I knew when I came here that the first thing is to win the league. I’ve won other cups, but I’ve never won the league title before. I’m happy and I’m very grateful for the opportunity,” former Orlando Pirates star Thembinkosi Lorch told SundownsTV as quoted by FarPost.
Lorch forever grateful to Irvin Khoza
The speedy winger scored 34 goals for Orlando Pirates while assisting 30 more. In total, Lorch made 176 appearances for the Soweto giants.
Lorch joined the Buccaneers from Maluti FET college in 2013. He also spent two seasons out on loan from the Buccaneers at Cape Town All Stars and Chippa United respectively.
“I remember I signed for Orlando Pirates when I was 22 years old. I [just] left [as a] 30-year-old. So I’m therefore grateful for the opportunity that he [Khoza] gave me. Orlando Pirates will always have a special place in my heart,” Lorch said following his move in January, as quoted by Sowetan.
“Also, I want to thank the president of Sundowns [Tlhopie Motsepe] for believing in me and bringing me here. I’m looking forward to giving my best for this team, that’s all I can say.”
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