"The difference is I am now scoring goals" - Thembinkosi Lorch
By Neo Poho
Orlando Pirates attacking midfielder Thembinkosi Lorch has revealed that whenever he suffers an injury, he switches off from football.
This follows Lorch's previous injury setback that saw him being out of action for five months after undergoing a surgery.
With Lorch now back in action for the Buccaneers and performing at the highest level since his return, the 29 year old reiterates that the injury layoff helped him to focus more on family and other things.
"Whenever I get injured I switch off from football, I think my previous injury helped me focus on other things like my family and personal commitments.
Moreover the injury helped me to focus on myself, I think the rehab also played an important role during my recovery period therefore I would like to thank the medical team for pushing me throughout the difficulty of being injured," Lorch said.
The 2019 PSL player of the season and players' player of the season furthermore alluded that upon his return to action he would do extra fitness training sessions.
"I would come to training and train with the team[Orlando Pirates] and then later on I would have individual training sessions with my personal trainer and I think that helped me a lot with my fitness," Lorch added.
Since his return to the team from the injury Lorch has been influential upfront for Pirates scoring four crucial goals including the winner against Venda Football Academy in extra time of the Nedbank Cup last 16 encounter at the Orlando Stadium last month.
Lorch also played a huge role in the semi-final clash against Dondol Stars last weekend giving Pirates the lead in a match where the Sea Robbers went on to win 5-4 on penalties.
Before that he scored the winner against Chippa United in Pirates' 2-0 victory in the DSTV Premiership, and with Bafana Bafana having already qualified for the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast next year, Lorch believes his goal scoring form might just see him get a Bafana call-up.
"Well it was too soon for me to be part of the Bafana Bafana squad that played against Liberia because I didn't play many games so this time around I think I am ready to play for Bafana again, I am now scoring goals and I think that is the difference now."
Lorch has made seven appearances for the national side after receiving his first national call-up in 2016.
'Nyoso' as he is affectionately called by his fans will be hoping to help Pirates secure another victory when they play against Cape Town City at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday the 22nd of April 2023.
Kick-off in that encounter is 15:00 o'clock.
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