Orlando Pirates will be hoping they don't go back to their early season misfortunes following the suspension of Thembinkosi Lorch from all club activities.
The Buccaneers announced on Wednesday that the club has taken a decision to remove Lorch from all club activities until 12 December shortly after the Sea Robbers talisman was sentenced in court in a gender-based violence case, which has been dragging on since 2020 for assaulting his ex-girlfriend.
READ: Mailula Should Be Loaned To Chiefs Or Downs - Mashamaite
The 30-year-old was handed a three-year prison sentence which was suspended for five years provided that he is not found guilty of a similar charge during the five-year period and was also fined R100, 000 to be paid to the People Opposing Women Abuse (Powa) organisation.
Lorch is not expected to train with the Pirates team during the period he is removed from all club activities and it remains to be seen how his match fitness would be affected and how quickly he can be re-integrated back into the team, with the Buccaneers left with only four matches before they close their year for the AFCON break and will return in February 2024.
The former Footballer of the Year's absence is a big blow for the Buccaneers, as he inspired the side to turn their fortunes around after he returned from a long-term injury in October.
The Buccaneers had lost four straight matches in all competitions prior to Lorch's return from injury, although they redeemed themselves with the penalty shootout win over Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 final after a goalless draw in extra-time.
Lorch, in his first match back, helped Pirates win a match in open play for the first time in a month after a 2-0 win over Cape Town Spurs in the Carling Knockout, where he walked away with the Man of the Match award.
Since the Bafana Bafana forward's return, the Buccaneers have only lost once in open play (with their second loss coming on penalties against Richards Bay in the Carling Knockout quarter-finals after a goalless draw in extra-time).
Lorch's form also inspired Pirates to win back-to-back league matches for the first time this season after they also ended a five-game losing streak in the DStv Premiership against rivals Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto derby prior to the FIFA break.
Jose Riveiro's charges will return to league action on Saturday afternoon when they visit the Natal Rich Boyz.
READ: Chiefs Legends Avoid Putting Pressure On Current Team
Open a tab account, it's easy and start betting on local and international soccer now! South Africa vs Benin, Soccer Any13Xtra V3 (Z13), Carryover: R100 000 Likely Pool: R750 000. Betting closes at 15:30 18 November 2023.
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
