Thembinkosi Lorch has identified finishing as Orlando Pirates’ key area for improvement after their Carling Knockout exit.
Lorch’s comments come after the Orlando Pirates squandered several goal-scoring opportunities as they lost 5-4 on penalties against Richards Bay at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
The game had ended goalless after 120 minutes, with Richards Bay booking a place in the semi-finals of the beer cup.
The defeat saw Pirates extend their winless run to four matches in all competitions. And despite Lorch putting in a below-par performance, he walked away with the R100 000 Man of the Match award as voted by the fans.
He was also voted Man of the Match in the round of 16 when Pirates beat Cape Town Spurs.
The attacker said that the Soweto giants need to rectify their mistakes in their next game, which is in the DStv Premiership against Sekhukhune United at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday.
LORCH CALLS FOR PIRATES TO IMPROVE FINISHING
“We are very disappointed with the result. I think we did not deserve to lose the game,” said Lorch after the penalty shootout defeat to Richards Bay.
“We had so many chances and needed to put the ball inside the net. But it’s football. We need to regroup and focus on the next game on Tuesday, which is very important. We need maximum points,” said the attacking midfielder, who picked up a cool R100 000 for his efforts.
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“It’s not easy (to lose like this), but we need to motivate the young players like Ratomo (Mofokeng) and others to focus on another game. We are doing (playing) well, we just not getting the goals.”
Thembinkosi Lorch added that winning Man of the Match is a sign that the fans appreciate his performance, but he would instead trade the award for a spot in the semi-finals.
“I would like to thank them (fans) for voting for me. I would be much happier if we were on the next round than being the Man-of-the-Match, but it means a lot for the fans to have voted for me. They must keep on supporting us.”