Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro has expressed his delight of having Thembinkosi Lorch available for the final stage of the 2022/23 season.
Lorch, 29, is arguably one of the most gifted players in the Buccaneers squad but this season injuries have hampered his game-time for large parts.
He recently made a return to full fitness and has been in the last eight matches for the club, scoring three goals over this run, including two in the Nedbank Cup wins over Venda Football Academy and All Stars FC.
Ahead of Pirates’ Ke Yona Cup clash with ‘giant slayers’ Dondol Stars from the ABC Motsepe League, Riveiro stated it’s good to have Lorch back but also insisted the team had done well to cover his absence.
“It is a collective sport,” he said on Thursday.
“It’s important that everybody understands the different roles that we are giving to the players in our structure in every game plan.
“I’m really happy to be part of the group, to have the opportunity to work with such quality players. Versatile players as well, ready to modify their roles in the game – sometimes to sacrifice things as well.
“And that’s the important thing that everybody understand that when the collective is shining, there are looking [like] better players, better coaches.
“We are in that stage, so we really want to have all of our quality players to perform and we love that Thembinkosi made it to be part of the group in the last part of the season and he’s been very important for all of us – like every other player before.
“I think we managed through the season to be competitive, it doesn’t matter who was available for selection, I think Pirates were a competitive team throughout the season.
“Fortunately now we are also in a good moment with regards to our injuries and we have almost all of our players available.”
Pirates, who won 10 out of their last 12 games in all competitions, face Dondol Stars in the quarter-final of the Nedbank Cup at 15:00 on Saturday.
