In-Form Lorch Opens Up On Bafana Recall 

In-form Orlando Pirates winger Thembinkosi Lorch has opened up on his return to Bafana Bafana for a first time since 2019.

‘Nyoso’ has only made six appearances for the national team so far, but Broos couldn’t overlook his fine form in the final games of the season.

Lorch ended the campaign with two goals and four assists in his last four games and said the Bafana recall means a lot to him after a difficult season, disrupted by injuries.

“First of all I want to thank everyone who supported me,” Lorch told Bafana’s media team.

“It wasn’t an easy season for me, with the injuries, but I am happy to be back in the Bafana Bafana team and I am looking forward to the game.

“Before the season started, I got a groin injury, I think [I was out] for six weeks, then when I came back I’ve got a shoulder dislocation then I needed to go for an operation that kept me out for, maybe, three months. 

“I came back in early December but I had gained weight and I had to work on my fitness.”

The 28-year-old also admitted that he didn’t expect to be called up at this stage before stating that he isn’t even at 100% yet.

“To be honest, I think it [came] sooner for me. I didn’t expect it, but I knew that it was going to come because my performances were going up and I was helping the team to win games.

“But I’m not going to put pressure on myself, I’m going to take it slowly until I reach my potential. 

“But I am getting there, even you can see in my last four games in the league, I gave my all.”

Lorch and Bafana take on Morocco away from home on 9 June in their first qualifier for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

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