Orlando Pirates co-coach Mandla Ncikazi has put his trust in star player Thembinkosi Lorch to turn their fortunes about in a roller-coaster season.
Lorch made his return to action on Wednesday during the Buccaneers' 1-1 draw with AmaZulu, coming on as a substitute late in the second half after recovering from a shoulder injury.
Within minutes of being on the field the attacking midfielder made his presence felt as he created two big chances, which were missed by Deon Hotto and himself.
Ncikazi was excited to see the affect Lorch made and feels he is the player who can help them as they look to turn their draws into victories, starting with the match against TS Galaxy at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.
“Highly excited. You just see the quality, the first touch, the assist to Hotto, who missed at the end but the most important thing was him being there,” Ncikazi told the media.
“Lorch is quality and I’m confident if he plays like this for his first game after such a long time being injured it is all positive. I just wish he grows from here and assists the team on what is missing the most, which is just goals.
“We are playing good football but maybe you need a Lorch to finish the product and terminate the attacks.”
With new striker Kwame Peprah also trying to adapt to the PSL, Ncikazi has asked the club's supporters to remain patient with him.
Peprah has struggled in the games he has played but Ncikazi feels he will score a lot of goals once he is settled. “The SA game is not like any African matches. He has been playing in Ghana. Any foreign international needs adaptation,” he said.
“I still have to see an international player that will come from his country and adapt immediately. For the period that he has spent in our club, you could see the progress that he is making.
“We would love to see him score but I think he has contributed better. Obviously, if the striker is not scoring he must give an assist but he contributes so well and I hope very soon he is going to score.”
After drawing their eighth match of the season against AmaZulu, the Buccaneers will be desperate for a victory when they host Galaxy on Saturday at 5.30pm.
“I’m just happy that some of the players are coming back from injuries. We are going to be stronger than what we are.”
Fixtures
Saturday: Chippa v AmaZulu, Nelson Mandela Bay, 3.30pm; Baroka v Cape Town City, Peter Mokaba, 3.30pm; Swallows v Gallants, Dobsonville, 3.30pm; Pirates v Galaxy, Orlando, 5.30pm; SuperSport v Sundowns, Lucas Moripe, 8.15pm
Sunday: Royal v Arrows, Chatsworth, 3.30pm; Maritzburg v Stellenbosch, Harry Gwala, 5pm; Chiefs v Sekhukhune, FNB, 6pm.
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