Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena has confirmed Thembinkosi Lorch’s absence from the upcoming Nedbank Cup final squad.

This decision follows a viral video on Lorch’s Instagram Live, sparking public concern about his conduct, where he appeared to be under the influence of alcohol along with two ladies.

“Is he available for Saturday? No, he is not available for Saturday,” Mokwena stated at a press conference on Thursday.

While expressing disappointment, Mokwena refrained from public criticism. “These types of things – I say this to you guys all the time, when it comes to my players, you will get no negative word from me. I always protect my players from the media. 

“The space when I’m open and honest with them, it is when I close my office and I have face-to-face conversation with them. So, you are not going to hear anything about Lorch from me today.”  

Mokwena later explained why he is not available for the final: “He’s injured, but he has been removed from the group, yes. He got injured against Stellies in Cape Town and he might have to undergo surgery.”

However, Lorch’s behavior came just days after Sundowns secured the DStv Premiership title, despite the loss to Cape Town City in their final league game at Loftus Stadium on Saturday. The upcoming Nedbank Cup final will see Sundowns face Lorch’s former club, Orlando Pirates, at the sold-out Mbombela Stadium on Saturday (15:00).