Linda Ximba
When Pirates demolished Black Leopards 3-0 in a DStv Premiership match last Thursday, it was game number 16 in a row without the attacking midfielder.
The official word from Pirates is that Thembinkosi Lorch has suffered a muscle injury and it’s still not clear when he will be back.
He last played in February against SuperSport United.
The Bafana Bafana international has not featured in six CAF Confederations Cup group stage matches and two Nedbank Cup games.
Speculation is rife that he wants a change of scenery, having been with Pirates for six years.
After winning Footballer of the Season award two seasons ago, Lorch has had his sights on Europe but his dream may never materialise.
He has had off-the-field problems resulting in the dip in form on the pitch.
Meanwhile, Bucs coach Josef Zinnbauer praised his team for an impressive display against relegation-threatened Leopards after beating the emphatic win on Thursday evening in Orlando.
“In the first half there was always a leg between the goal and the ball but in the second-half we scored quickly” he said.
Leopards co-coach Lehlohonolo Seema decried “the soft goals” they have been conceding through the season and called for his charges to buckle up.
