Following his scintillating showing that saw him being crowned Player of the Season 2018/19, Thembinkosi Lorch has had a rather subdued start to the current season.
As a result, a faction of the fans have labelled Nyoso a one-season wonder on Twitter, but is this a fair reflection on the reigning PSL Player of the Year?
Last season, Lorch just like Orland Pirates, were simply untouchable. Milutin Sredojevic's side played an eye-catching brand of football with Lorch at the centre of it all.
They may have went trophyless, but on an individual level, the 26-year-old made a clean sweep at the annual PSL awards, winning a host of accolades.
Lorch also played a starring role for Bafana Bafana at the AFCON in Egypt where he scored the winning goal that knocked the hosts out of the tournament.
However, things haven't gone according to script for the Free State-born star.
Not only has he failed to find the back of the net or register a single assist for Bucs, his demeanour lacks the fire he possessed last season, and his dip in form coincides with his side's woes that sees them linger in eight spot after seven matches played.
Coach Micho, abruptly left Pirates to take up the Zamalek head coaching post, thus thrusting Rulani Mokwena into the Pirates hot seat.
In addition, due to international duty, Lorch and a few others had a shorter off-season than some of their counterparts, something that he may not be used to.
Moreover, there is also the issue of failing to secure a move abroad after reported interest from across Europe that could have derailed his plight.
Whatever the reason may be for his slump of form, fans will be hoping he can put it behind him and catapult the Soweto giants to a position where they are competing for trophies both locally and on a continental front.
Do you think fans' criticism on Lorch is justified?
