Orlando Pirates talisman Thembinkosi Lorch has opened up about his long-awaited return from injury after he scored a vital goal in the win over All Stars in the Nedbank Cup.
Lorch has been out of the Pirates squad since August last year due to an injury that required surgery and after returning to training a couple of weeks ago, he finally made the bench for the first time since then in the Nedbank Cup last 32 clash against the Motsepe Foundation Championship side over the weekend.
Read: Lorch Scores On Return For Bucs In Nedbank Cup
The Bafana Bafana attacker marked his return with a goal off the bench against All Stars, as the Buccaneers progressed with a 2-0 victory.
The 29-year old says it was not easy dealing with being on the sidelines for so long but he's grateful for the support he got at the club.
"It wasn't easy for me, you know coming back from injury. I think I have five months not playing football but I want to thank my family for the support," Lorch said via the club's media department.
"And the technical team, they physios of the team for pushing me, it wasn't easy."
Jose Riveiro's charges struggled to break down All Stars in the first stanza after the game went to the half-time break goalless but the Buccaneers had more energy and creativity after Lorch was introduced in the second stanza.
Lorch went on to explain how he changed the game from the bench, as he had a hand in Monnapule Saleng breaking the deadlock just after the hour-mark before he put the game to bed ten minutes later.
"Sitting on the bench helped me a lot, I was watching that game, analyzing the game you know. I saw All Stars they were running all over, so the coach told me I must find the space, I must find the pocket," he continued.
Read: What Turned Sundowns Off In Pule Bid
"Even if you can check the first goal I was half space and then I passed to 'Dzvuka' (Terrence Dzvukamanja) and 'Dzvuka' crossed to Saleng.
"So ja it was important for me to score, especially coming back from injury, it's going to boost my confidence going forward," he said.
Lorch, who had a loan spell at All Stars while they were still known as Cape Town All Stars back in 2015, also thanked the supporters for being behind him during his difficult period.
"I'd like to say to them they must keep on supporting, it's not easy to always get injured and come back stronger, their support means a lot to me," he added.
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
