South Africa is buzzing with reactions following the breakup of Thembinkosi Lorch, the Mamelodi Sundowns football star, and Natasha Thahane, a beloved actress.
The news broke on social media when Thahane confirmed the split, revealing that they had mutually decided to end their romantic relationship while committing to maintain a healthy co-parenting dynamic for their son.
Their separation comes after several years of being together and making their relationship public, during which they also welcomed a son. However, rumors of infidelity dating back to 2023 have shadowed their relationship.
Despite projecting an image of happiness and harmony, the couple’s split has left many fans speculating about the reasons behind the breakup. Some social media users humorously suggested that Lorch strategically timed the breakup to coincide with his new signing with Mamelodi Sundowns, jokingly linking his decision to his increased salary.
Comments flooded social media platforms, with users sharing their thoughts on the situation. Some expressed amusement at the timing of the breakup, while others sympathized with the couple’s challenges. Nonetheless, the exact reasons behind their split remain unclear, leaving fans to speculate about the dynamics of their relationship.
How much could Lorch be earning at Sundowns?
Sundowns’ highest earner is said to be making R700 000 a month.
Thembinkosi Lorch – Orlando Pirates
Thembinkosi Lorch would have got an impressive salary bump by joining Sundowns. Picture: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Thembinkosi Lorch is likely to have been handed a serious salary bump by Mamelodi Sundowns after joining them on transfer deadline day from Orlando Pirates.
But just where will the 30-year-old attacker sit on the Sundowns salary scale? Reports suggest that Lorch was earning anything between R50 000 and R165000 a month at Pirates, though South African clubs’ lack of transparency over salaries makes it hard to be precise.
Sundowns’ highest earner is former Bafana Bafana midfielder Bongani Zungu, according to a salary chart compiled by briefly.co.za. The website speculates that Zungu is earning a whopping R700 000 a month. Next on the list is Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams on R500 000 a month.
Could Lorch be earning anything close to these two fellow South Africans? Zungu was signed by Sundowns on a free transfer from Amiens in France in August 2022, and it is likely that coming from Europe, Sundowns had to go very high in terms of salary to secure Zungu’s signature. The club may have also felt that the fact that they were not paying a transfer fee justified a high wage package.
Williams is one of several players to have joined Sundowns from Tshwane rivals SuperSport United, with Masandawana rumoured to have paid SuperSport R12 million for his services in July 2012. Williams was already 30 years old when he joined Sundowns, the same age as Lorch is now.
A goalkeeper’s career tends to last longer than that of an outfield player, however, meaning Lorch’s package is unlikely to have matched Williams’.
To speculate on Lorch’s salary at Sundowns, given the highest end of what he was said to be earning at Pirates, it is safer to say he is in the region of Peter Shalulile or Thapelo Morena, said to be on R400 000 a month.
It could even be, that with a year left on his contract at Pirates, and little sign of a new deal being agreed, Lorch was prepared to move to Sundowns for a little less than that, in the region of R300 000 a month.
This would still represent an enormous boost to his salary, not to mention the signing on fee and the bonus structure that will undoubtedly be in his deal.
IN OTHER NEWS:
Top 10 Phones Making Waves in Africa: A Look at the Latest Mobile Tech Trends
Introduction: The Ever-Evolving African Smartphone Market
The African smartphone market has been witnessing rapid growth and innovation, with consumers increasingly demanding high-quality devices that offer both affordability and cutting-edge features. From budget-friendly options to flagship models, here are the top 10 phones currently dominating the African market.
1. Samsung Galaxy S series: Flagship Excellence
Samsung’s Galaxy S series continues to be a top choice for African consumers, offering powerful performance, stunning displays, and advanced camera capabilities. Models like the Galaxy S22 and S22 Ultra are particularly popular, catering to users who seek premium features and reliability.