Thembinkosi Lorch could be unleashed on Egypt

With Themba Zwane set to miss Bafana Bafana’s last-16 clash against Egypt, things could be pointing towards an Afcon debut for Orlando Pirates midfielder Thembinkosi Lorch.

The 25-year-old, who was crowned the PSL Player of the Season after his exploits for his club is yet to feature for Stuart Baxter’s side in the tournament, but could be finally set for a run after his Mamelodi Sundowns counterpart picked up a second yellow card against Morocco, which warranted automatic suspension.

While Baxter has hinted at a change of tactics going into the all important clash, Lorch’s chances of being in the thick of things on Saturday are still high, with him being more of a like-for-like replacement for Zwane out wide.

Thembinkosi Lorch ready for Egypt test

Having picked up splinters on the bench throughout the group stage, the player is not overly perturbed by missing out on the action.

“Things like this happen in football. You just have to be strong and wait for your chance and when the chance comes you just have to use it,” Lorch told the media.

“I think I’m ready. I know it’s been a long time for me not playing, but I am ready to deliver when I get a chance.”

Thembinkosi Lorch

With inactivity comes concerns over fitness, and a question on whether he would be on par with the condition levels required in what could be a physically taxing match was posed on the player, who too admitted he may not be exactly up to scratch, but is not short of confidence.

“I always have confidence. I just have to wait for my chance to play,” Lorch added.

“It has been a good tournament so far and I am happy to be part of this team. I’ve learned so many things and I think when I get back to my team my confidence will be higher, so yeah, it’s been a good tournament.

“I’ve learned to see how other people from overseas are playing, the likes of Bongani (Zungu), Thulani (Serero)…the experience of being in the team.”

Thembinkosi Lorch

Lorch had a breakthrough season at the Buccaneers, netting 13 goals and providing seven assists in his 32 appearances across competitions.

Victory over the Pharaohs on Saturday would see Bafana progress to the last eight for the first time since doing so in Afcon 2013 – a tournament which did not consist of a round of 16 stage.

Kick off is at 21:00.