Why scoring on return from injury was key for Thembinkosi Lorch

Orlando Pirates attacker Thembinkosi Lorch has revealed why it was important for him to score a goal on his return from injury against All Stars FC in the Nedbank Cup on Saturday evening.

Lorch scored the second goal for the Soweto giants in the 70th minute as they progressed to the last 16 of the tournament, beating All Stars 2-0 at the Wits Stadium.

Monnapule Saleng had initially opened the scoring just after the hour mark following a tight contested first half.

The game marked Lorch’s return, as it was his first appearance in almost six months. The last time Lorch played for the Bucs was on 21 August 2022 against SuperSport United in the DStv Premiership.

LORCH SCORING ON HIS RETURN FROM INJURY

The Bafana Bafana international believes performing well after a lengthy spell on the sidelines will help boost his confidence.

“It was important for me to score especially coming from injury, it’s going to boost my confidence going forward. It’s not always easy to get injured and comeback stronger,” Lorch told the club’s media department.

“It wasn’t easy for me coming back from injury, I think I have five months not playing football, it wasn’t easy.

SUPER SUB

Lorch further revealed how coming in as a substitute helped him to have a great performance.

“Sitting on the bench helped me a lot; I was watching the game, analysing it. I saw All Stars were running all over,” he added.

“The coach told me that I must find a space; I must find a pocket. Even if you can check the first goal, I was half-space, then I passed to Dzvuka [Terrence Dzvukamanja], then Dzvuka crossed to Saleng.”

Now that Lorch is fully fit again, he will be hoping to get more game time, however it won’t be an easy walk in the park as he faces stiff competition from other quality players in the squad.

This season he has made six appearances in all competitions and found the back of the net once.

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