Soccer Laduma

Lorch’s injury status questioned?

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There’s been talk in the football fraternity that Orlando Pirates talisman Thembinkos­i Lorch is making a meal of his injury with the aim of pushing for a move out of the club!

It’s been nearly three months since the attacking midfielder featured for the Buccaneers in any of their matches across all competitio­ns, and while coach Josef Zinnbauer has insisted that the player’s return date is unknown, insiders have indicated that the status of Lorch’s injury has been exaggerate­d.

The Siya crew went digging, and while two separate sources rubbished the suggestion­s that Lorch is exaggerati­ng the injury, one source has indicated that the 27-year-old is angling for a move out of Pirates. According to the source, Lorch is unhappy that the club did not release him when the club reportedly had bids from

Europe two seasons ago.

At the time, he appeared to be enjoying a purple patch on the back of winning the Footballer of the Season award and making Bafana Bafana’s 2019 Africa Cup of Nations squad under then coach Stuart Baxter. Back then, the player confirmed that Pirates had turned down offers – believed to have come from Belgium and France.

Indication­s are that interest from abroad and Mzansi for Lorch’s signature has been reignited, and that his latest injury could have been prolonged to show the player’s frustratio­n at not being allowed to leave.

However, two separate sources have painted a different picture and so did Lorch’s agent, Jazzman Mahlakgane.

The Siya crew has been provided with extensive “evidence” by the two separate sources proving that the player is indeed injured and has not been anywhere near the Pirates training ground for at least six weeks because of the tear in his abductor muscle.

Mahlakgane, one of South Africa’s top representa­tives, recently met with the player and has confirmed that he is still injured.

“I think this thing is simple,” Mahlakgane said, adding, “There’s no truth to the player faking an injury. In fact, I had a meeting with him and he confirmed that he is still feeling some pain and is working hard to return to playing because that’s what he loves and wants to do.”

It now remains to be seen when if the interest in his signature is pursued further.

 ??  ??
 ??  ?? Lorch does return to the field and
Lorch does return to the field and

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