×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

Lorch talks up Bucs revival

Onismor Bhasera (L) battles for the with Thembinkosi Lorch during the Absa Premiership match between Orlando Pirates and SuperSport United at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa. Image by: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images
Onismor Bhasera (L) battles for the with Thembinkosi Lorch during the Absa Premiership match between Orlando Pirates and SuperSport United at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa. Image by: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images

Walking around wearing an Orlando Pirates jersey means risking ridicule these days owing to their poor run. But winger Thembinkosi Lorch says things will change soon.

The Buccaneers have gone 12 matches without victory in all competitions, which is their worst run in the PSL era.

Lorch, 23, is emerging as a player who could play a pivotal role in helping Bucs stop the rot and has urged the team's faithful not to lose hope.

"They [fans] must keep on supporting us. We've been trying hard to win the games and it is just that luck was not on our side," Lorch told Sowetan following Pirates' latest draw - 1-1 with SuperSport United - on Tuesday.

He opened his Pirates account in that match, rescuing a point for Bucs in a match that they could easily have lost.

He thought he scored last weekend against rivals Kaizer Chiefs, but match officials ruled Tsepo Masilela had actually scored an own goal.

In an apparent attempt to appease the Pirates supporters, the Bloemfontein-born winger has vowed that the team will win the Nedbank Cup.

Interestingly, Lorch was signed from lower league side Maluti FET College in 2015. Maluti are the team who famously thrashed Pirates 4-1 in the 2013 Nedbank Cup, but Lorch didn't make the Maluti team for that match.

Pirates face another lower league side in EC Bees at Sisa Dukashe Stadium on Sunday in the last 32 of the Nedbank Cup.

"I promise them [the supporters] the Nedbank Cup and we will finish in the top eight," he vowed.

Lorch is enjoying a rich vein of form and is ready to deliver consistently for the team after loan spells at Cape Town All Stars and Chippa United. He scored three goals in 17 starts for the Chilli Boys before he was recalled in January.

"I didn't start well here, because I had to know my team- mates and it took some time," said Lorch, who has made six starts for Pirates.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.