Orlando Pirates released a statement on Friday evening that Thembinkosi Lorch has left the club after discussions between chairman Irvin Khoza and Mamelodi Sundowns.
Lorch was over the last week linked with a move to the champions, who are keen to bolster their squad as they prepare for the second half of the season.
“Thembinkosi Lorch is to leave Orlando Pirates after a discussion between the Chairman Dr. Irvin Khoza and the Mamelodi Sundowns hierarchy. The club thanks “Nyoso” for his immense contribution by adding another page in the history of the club,” said a statement on the club’s official website, adding: “We wish him and his family well in his future sporting pursuit.”
The 30-year-old Lorch has been a controversial figure in South African football in recent years. Towards the end of last year, he was given a two-week suspension by the club after he was found guilty and given a suspended jail sentence for assaulting his former partner.