Orlando Pirates' Thembinkosi Lorch shares key behind his resurgence

The attacking midfielder suffered a massive blow five matches into the season and required surgery, which left him on the sidelines for five months.

"Every time when I get injured, I switch off from football. I think it helped me a lot to focus on other things, like my family and other stuff. But on the other hand, it helped me to focus on myself and come back strong," Lorch explained to SABC Sport.

"I think the rehab was good and I'd like to thank the medical team for pushing me throughout the difficulty [of being out injured]."

When Lorch finally made his comeback in a 2-0 win over former club All Stars FC in the Nedbank Cup earlier this year, he did not look out of place, although he was pulled off at halftime as a precaution.

"I was doing extra [work] with my fitness trainer. I was coming to training with Orlando Pirates and then later I would do extra with my personal trainer, so I think that helped me with my fitness," he added.

Lorch has started every game for Pirates since being passed fit and is the side’s Nedbank Cup leading goal scorer with three strikes ahead of their semifinal clash against Kaizer Chiefs next month. 

It’s this form that gives the 29-year-old the confidence to say he’d love to be considered once again for Bafana Bafana by coach Hugo Broos. 

"It was too soon for me [to be part of the Liberia camp] because I didn't play that many game, so this time around I think I am ready to play for Bafana," said Lorch.

"Because I'm scoring goals now, and last time when I came back, I struggled a bit with weight and I was assisting, but I think now the difference is [scoring] goals now."