After coming on in the second half for Kabelo Dlamini at a wet Bidvest Stadium, Lorch was influential in Pirates' 2-0 victory on Saturday night to advance to the last 16 of the competition.

With the crowd in their full voices when Lorch held the ball, the midfielder was instrumental in Pirates' opening goal when he tossed and turned the defenders of All Stars before Monnapule Saleng got in on the act and put the ball in the back of the net.

With the Buccaneers imposing themselves on the lower league side after a rather disappointing first half, Lorch started the build up towards the second goal as All Stars couldn't clear in the 18 yard box only for Bucs no.3 to pounce and guide the ball into the back of the net.

It was rather an emotional comeback for Lorch who was surrounded and celebrated by his teammates upon his celebration for the second goal.

Pirates' coach Jose Riviero was given his marching orders when he got sent off in the second period of the encounter, that proved to be of little effect though as Pirates used their experience to consolidate matters.

Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo also had a magnificent performance after coming on very early in the first half due to Goodman Mosele's injury.

The midfield maestro was the heart beat in the middle of the park for Pirates along with Miguel Timm.

The victory means that Pirates join fellow Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns, surprise rookies Dondol Stars, Golden Arrows and Stellenbosch FC just to name a few in the last 16.

In other Nedbank Cup results from Saturday, Stellenbosch FC defeated Swallows FC 3-0 at the Athlone Stadium while Golden Arrows managed to get the better of Pretoria Callies at the Princess Magogo Stadium by winning 2-1 and Venda Football Academy eased past Blackcross 2-1 at the Seisa Ramabodu Stadium in Free State.