Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro has discussed the absence of Thembinkosi Lorch in their win over Cape Town City over the weekend.
Lorch recently returned from a long-term knee injury that put him out for the bulk of the season and bounced back with a crucial goal against All Stars in the first round of the Nedbank Cup.
The former PSL Footballer of the Season maintained his match-winning performances, as he scored again in the Nedbank Cup last 16 victory over Motsepe Foundation Championship side Venda Football Academy and in the quarter-finals against third-tier outfit Dondol Stars, where Pirates won on penalties.
Read: Riveiro Reveals Secret Behind Pirates Players' Progress
The Bafana Bafana forward was also on target in the Buccaneers' win over Chippa United in the league, prior to their game against the Citizens.
However, Lorch was not included in the match-day squad against City and Riveiro has explained that their talisman picked up an injury in training and could not recover in time.
"No dramas, you force me to talk about an individual player and about injuries which is not my strength and favourite scenario," Riveiro said in the press conference after their 2-1 win over City.
"But Lorch is an important player, it goes without saying but again you see the group taking responsibility (against Cape Town City) and performing well.
"We're hoping to see him back as soon as possible and actually I think it's a minor thing and it happened too close to the game so we didn't have the margin to solve it," he said.
"But I'm happy with him because he's finding joy in the games and during the weeks and we all get benefits of that obviously," he added.
Pirates occupy third-spot on the table, one point behind second-placed SuperSport United, with a game in hand, which means they have the destiny of qualifying for the CAF Champions League in their own hands going into their last four matches.
The Sea Robbers will be up against traditional rivals Kaizer Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup semi-finals in two weeks' time.
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