Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Manqoba Mngqithi has provided an injury update on the club’s star, Thembinkosi Lorch.
Lorch joined Sundowns in the middle of the 2023/24 season. He made a move from another PSL giants Orlando Pirates, a move which came as surprise, because he was a Pirates star.
For the Tshwane giants, ‘Nyoso’ hasn’t made much impression. His progress at the club has been constantly disturbed by injuries. In Sundowns colours, the talented attacker has made 20 appearances in all competitions. He racked up six goals and grabbed three assists.
In the three matches Masandawana have played this season in the MTN8, Lorch is yet to feature because of the injury. On Saturday, Sundowns will take on Eswatini’s Mbabane Swallows in the CAF Champions League, second preliminary round, first leg. Kickoff at Lucas Moripe Stadium is at 8 PM.
The last time the 31-year-old played was in May 2024 in the Nedbank Cup semi-finals against Stellenbosch FC. Sundowns won 2-1 and Lorch provided an assist.
MANQOBA MNGQITHI COMMENTS ON THEMBINKOSI LORCH INJURY UPDATE
The 53-year-old coach says Lorch has recovered very well from injury and is close to making his first appearance of the season. However, he got a minor injury on Thursday during a training session.
“On Lorch, I think Lorch is close to the matchday squad. He has played a friendly that we played against Sekhukhune [United],” said Mngqithi.
“He’s been training quite well; he was just unfortunate today. He had a minor stiffness in his hamstring, that is why he pulled out early in training.
“Otherwise, we are happy with the contribution he might make. We are also happy with the level of professionalism that he’s been showing throughout the beginning of the season when he was injured.
Mngqithi further revealed that midfielder Sipho Mbule is also close to returning to action after recovering from injury.
“Sipho [Mbule] is another player that has started full training; it will depend on the numbers and everything. But he can be selected into the team, it’s all up to him at this stage because I think he’s also been training well,” he added.
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