Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi has provided an update on the injury status of Thembinkosi Lorch as the Betway Premiership season looms.
Lorch missed the last match on the 2023/24 season when Sundowns lost 2-1 in the Nedbank Cup final against Orlando Pirates due to an injury setback.
The exciting attacker completed a shock high-profile move from the Buccaneers to Sundowns during the 2024 January transfer window.
In his spell at Pirates, Lorch turned himself into a fan-favourite and played over 100 matches and scored 18 goals.
The former Maluti FET College star won a handful of trophies with Bucs and he was named the PSL Footballer of the Season in the 2018/19 campaign.
Meanwhile, the Bafana Bafana international has managed to hold a regular place in the Sundowns starting berth in his seven months at the club.
Since his arrival at Masandawana, Lorch has featured in 20 appearances across all competitions. He scored six goals and provided three assists as he won his first league title in his career under the guidance of head coach Rulani Mokwena, who has since left the club to take a new role at the Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca.
LORCH’S ROAD TO RECOVERY: MNGQITHI PROVIDES AN UPDATE
With the Brazilians kicking off their season with the MTN8 quarter-final clash against Polokwane City FC at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Sunday, Mngqithi has revealed that Lorch is yet to return to full training.
The 31-year-old missed the most part of the Mamelodi Sundowns pre-season action after the club travelled to Austria in preparation of the new season.
“To be honest, he hasn’t started full training, but probably by the end of next week I think he will be in full training, then once he’s there, he will be close to helping us,” said the Sundowns coach.
“And we believe he’s going to help us, the system we are playing is going to allow him a bit of an edge and give us what we believe he’s capable of.”
Thembinkosi Lorch will compete with Neo Maema, Themba Zwane, Lucas Ribeiro, Lebogang Maboe, Abubeker Nasir, and Siyabonga Mabena for a place in the staring line-up.
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