Jose Riveiro delighted to be reunited with convicted abuser Thembinkosi Lorch for Black Label Cup match

Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro is happy for the chance to work with Thembinkosi Lorch again, with the two reunited for Saturday's Black Label Cup clash.

Convicted abuser Lorch, who featured for Orlando Pirates for nine years and currently plays for Mamelodi Sundowns, is one of the players who have been selected for the Carling All Star XI that will take on Magesi FC, who lifted the Carling Knockout Cup last month. The team will be coached by Pirates' Riveiro.

Since moving to Sundowns, Lorch has struggled with injuries and regular game time ane has played just six times in all competitions.

Speaking to journalists this week, Riveiro acknowledged Lorch's struggles for his new club, saying he wanted to help him enjoy the game, which will be played at his former home Orlando Stadium.

“Happy to see him again, he’s an important player in South Africa. He’s been unlucky with injuries, and it’s an opportunity for him to find himself on the field,” Riveiro said when speaking with journalists.

“We’re going to try to make him feel comfortable again, and hopefully, he can enjoy some minutes. Everybody knows the type of player Lorch is. I’m going to be happy if he can have a good time in Orlando again.”

Prior to moving clubs, Lorch was involved in a much-publicised domestic abuse case that saw him found guilty and handed a suspended sentence. He was initially sentenced to three years in prison for assaulting his ex-girlfriend Fundiswa Nokuphiwa Mathithibala.

In a statement against gender-based-violence, Orlando Pirates decided to hand Lorch a two-week suspension after the guilty verdict. In the January transfer window of 2024, Lorch sealed a move to Sundowns.

IOL Sport