Orlando Pirates defender Tapelo Xoki has made a heartfelt pledge to Thembinkosi Lorch as he strongly believes the highly-rated attacker will add the much-needed attacking impetus to the Soweto giants.
Xoki says Pirates need a fully fit Lorch to fire on all cylinders as they want to push harder for a CAF Champions League spot and Nedbank Cup triumph.
Lorch made a scoring return from a knee injury over the weekend to help Pirates book a spot in the Nedbank Cup last 16 with a 2-0 win over Motsepe Foundation Championship side All Stars at the Wits Stadium
The Pirates playmaker had been out on the sidelines for six months due to injury and Xoki has said that the club will help Lorch to get to his best as his ability and quality is going to come in handy in the second half of the season.
In the current campaign, the former PSL Player of the Season has only made five league appearances.
TAPELO XOKI HIGHLIGHTS THE IMPORTANCE OF THEMBINKOSI LORCH
“He’s [Lorch] a star player and a big player as well, he scored a goal on his return, which is great for us and I’m sure it’s going to be good for his confidence going forward,” said Xoki.
“So, we will need him on the remaining games to be at his best so we will do our best to support him and make sure that he delivers the goods for us.”
The 29-year-old Lorch has made just five league appearances this season and will be hoping to stay injury-free for the remaining games.
Meanwhile, Xoki has not given up on the DStv Premiership title despite Pirates being 27 points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.
“I’m a competitor and I won’t say we have given up while the race is on, we will keep going,” he added.
“We always try to play for every cup that’s available and we play to win, so we know the Nedbank Cup won’t be easy, same as the league. We’ve done our best.
“The league is still not over even though the gap is too big, but we will keep on pushing and try and salvage anything that we can.”
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