Thembinkosi Lorch is close to making a return to the match-day squad.Photo: Itumeleng English/ Independent Newspaper
Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Manqoba Mngqithi says fan favourite Thembinkosi Lorch is close to making a return to the match-day squad.
Speaking to the media ahead of the Brazilians Caf Champions League clash against Mbabane Swallows at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Saturday, Mngqithi said Lorch was training well and was closer to making a return.
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"Lorch is as close as possible to the match day squad, he has played a friendly that we played against Sekhukhune and he has been training well.
“It was just unfortunate that today he had a minor stiffness in the hamstring that's why he pulled out training early, but other wise we’re happy with the contribution that he might make,” Mngqithi said.
The Sundowns coach added that he was happy with Lorch’s level of commitment and professionalism.
“We’re also happy with the commitment and the level of professionalism that he has been showing throughout from the beginning of the season when he was still injured.”
The 31-year-old Lorch, who joined Sundowns from Orlando Pirates in January of this year, has struggled to find the form that saw him become a household name in South African football, with injuries derailing his progress at the Tshwane giants.
Nyoso, as he is affectionately known to Sundowns fans also did not feature in his club’s three matches in the MTN 8 this season because of the injury.
Mngqithi also provided an injury update on Sipho Mbule, stating that he had started full training with the squad.
“Sipho is also another player who has started full training and it will only depend on the numbers and everything else but he can be selected to the team.
“It’s all up to him at this stage because I think he has also been training very well”.
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