Thembinkosi Lorch has left Mamelodi Sundowns to join Wydad Casablanca on loan after struggling for game time and feeling unhappy at the club.

Thembinkosi Lorch’s time at Mamelodi Sundowns has come to an abrupt halt, with the experienced midfielder securing a loan move to Wydad Casablanca for the remainder of the season.

The 31-year-old’s departure has sparked discussions about his struggles at the club, with head coach Miguel Cardoso shedding light on the reasons behind the decision.

Lorch, who joined Sundowns from Orlando Pirates last year, has had a frustrating spell at Chloorkop, making just seven appearances across all competitions this season.

His lack of game time, coupled with a growing sense of dissatisfaction, made his departure seem inevitable. According to Cardoso, the player was simply not happy and needed a fresh start.

The coach emphasized the importance of players being in an environment where they can perform at their best, suggesting that Lorch’s stagnation at Sundowns left the club with little choice but to allow him to move on.

The loan move to Wydad Casablanca reunites Lorch with Rulani Mokwena, the coach who played a key role in bringing him to Sundowns in the first place.

Mokwena, who previously worked with the midfielder at Orlando Pirates, is believed to have been instrumental in convincing him to join the Brazilians.

However, things did not go according to plan, and now, Mokwena has stepped in once again—this time to help the player revive his career in North Africa.

Cardoso explained that while Lorch remains a talented player, his form and lack of regular playing time in recent years have been major concerns.

The coach highlighted that it is crucial for players, especially those in the later stages of their careers, to be on the pitch regularly rather than sitting on the sidelines.

At 31, Lorch is no longer the young prospect he once was, and with his limited appearances this season, it became clear that a change was necessary.

The Sundowns coach also revealed that he personally spoke to Lorch, along with other departing players such as Lesiba Nku and Lebo Maboe, after their exits were finalized.

He expressed that the club was at peace with the decisions made, as ensuring player happiness was a key priority.

Cardoso acknowledged that footballers are not just athletes but also individuals with families, and when they are unhappy, it affects their performance and overall well-being.

Lorch’s departure follows a string of high-profile moves in South African football, with clubs reshaping their squads ahead of the final stretch of the season.

While some Sundowns supporters may be disappointed to see the player leave, the reality is that he was struggling for opportunities in a team stacked with talent.

At Wydad Casablanca, he will have the chance to regain his form and confidence in a league that has become increasingly attractive to South African players in recent years.

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Lorch to see whether this loan spell can reignite his career. With the right guidance from Mokwena and a renewed sense of motivation, the midfielder could yet prove that he has plenty left to offer at the highest level.

For now, his departure from Sundowns marks the end of a frustrating chapter, but perhaps also the beginning of an exciting new one.