Thembinkosi Lorch left Orlando Pirates for Mamelodi Sundowns but could've ended up at Kaizer Chiefs

Thembinkosi Lorch of Orlando Pirates and Lazarous Kambole of Kaizer Chiefs during the Carling Black Label Cup match between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium on July 27, 2019 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Lee Warren/Gallo Images)

Orlando Pirates team news: Lorch in doubt for PSL opener

Orlando Pirates star Thembinkosi Lorch will need to pass a late fitness to secure his position in the matchday squad for the opening game of the PSL season.

Thembinkosi Lorch left Orlando Pirates for Mamelodi Sundowns but could've ended up at Kaizer Chiefs

Thembinkosi Lorch of Orlando Pirates and Lazarous Kambole of Kaizer Chiefs during the Carling Black Label Cup match between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium on July 27, 2019 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Lee Warren/Gallo Images)

Orlando Pirates have been left to sweat over the fitness of star midfielder Thembinkosi Lorch as well as defensive stalwart Mthokozisi Dube.

Pirates coach Milutin Sredojevic revealed that both players will only participate in the season-opening clash with Bloemfontein Celtic on Saturday if they can pass a late fitness test.

Lorch and Dube missed training on Thursday but Micho was eager to convey that this was just a precautionary measure. Both players were among Pirates better performers last season and are viewed as being central to plans to bring silverware home this term.

Dube was withdrawn from the Carling Black Label Cup with a knock picked up in a collision with Bernard Parker while Lorch was also replaced in the second half after scoring a cracking goal to give Pirates a 2-0 lead on the half-hour mark.

“You saw last weekend [in the Carling Black Label Cup], after that collision with Bernard Parker, we had Dube taken off and it was precautionary that we put him aside,” explained Micho.

“We also played a friendly against Simba of Tanzania this week, and we did not want to risk it with Lorch.

“The season is very long and both players are extremely important to us, so it was just a precautionary measure to keep them aside in order to not aggravate their niggles.

Orlando Pirates pleased with squad

Despite the fitness concerns to key players Sredojevic says the technical team are thrilled with the squad at their disposal.

“But we are extremely happy with what we have, and the two of them are supposed to pass late fitness tests on Friday before being declared ready or unavailable for Saturday’s game.”

Fortune Makaringe also ran afoul of Chiefs wrecking-ball striker Parker in the CBL cup but escaped the horror tackle without injury.

An enforced absence for Dube is likely to give Micho more headaches than the absence of Lorch, despite the attacking midfielder’s blistering form. Pirates have reinforced their attacking quality in the current transfer window but have let a number of defenders leave on loan. If Lorch is not declared fit, Micho could hand a debut to Zambian winger Austin Muwowo.

Dube’s fullback position is not as well-staffed, Thembela Sikhakhane spent last season on loan with Golden Arrows and has been dispatched to KZN again this term joining Amazulu for the season. The most appropriate replacement for Dube would be versatile defender Ntsikelelo Nyauza but he has found opportunities at the Sea Robbers limited. Veteran Centre Back Alfred Ndengane can play at fullback but is yet to be deployed in the position by Micho.

Orlando Pirates kick off their season this Saturday 3 August as they host Bloemfontein Celtic at Orlando Stadium from 18:00.