Thembinkosi Lorch grateful for Orlando Pirates return

Thembinkosi Lorch expressed his delight at making a successful return for Orlando Pirates in their Carling Knockout Cup victory over Cape Town Spurs on Friday.

A 60th minute penalty from Tapelo Xoki and a 65th minute Kermit Erasmus goal sealed a 2-0 win for Pirates at the Orlando Stadium.

Lorch, who returned to action for the first time this season after being sidelined with a knee injury, was named Man of the Match for his performance, to claim R100 000 in prize money.

Speaking after the encounter, Lorch praised his teammates for the victory.

He said on iDiski Times: “It has not been easy for me. I’m happy that today the coach gave me the opportunity to play.

“To be honest, maybe the first 15 minutes I was struggling a bit you know.

“At half-time, the coach asked me if I would be able to continue, and I told him that I could continue. Even if you could see the last 10 minutes I was scraping.”

Lorch added: “We have a good team with good players and I’m happy for the guys. It’s like we have been together for long and I wish them more [success].”