As the beginning of the new season approaches, Orlando Pirates have confirmed that Thembinkosi Lorch will once again don the number three jersey.
Lorch, however, is awaiting sentencing in the Randburg Magistrate's Court after he was found guilty of assaulting his former partner.
☠️ #️⃣ 𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗢𝗡, 𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗡𝗨𝗠𝗕𝗘𝗥𝗦 #️⃣
— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) August 4, 2023
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⚫️⚪️🔴⭐️#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/X4rW3dVRX5
The Bafana Bafana player is reportedly currently in a relationship with Netflix actor and late Archbishop Desmon Tutu’s granddaughter Natasha Thahane.
After being arrested for the incident in 2020, Lorch was found guilty in July, and faces up to five years behind bars for the offence.
According to the NPA, Lorch’s sentencing hearing was supposed to take place on Monday, but this could not happen as the 30-year-old attacker was in Europe, where Pirates are preparing for the new season. Sentencing has now been postponed to September 4.
According reports, load-shedding at the Randburg Magistrate’s Court also played a role in the postponement of the matter.
Jose Riveiro’s Pirates will kick the new season off with a trip to the Danie Craven Stadium to take on Stellenbosch FC on Saturday evening.
After finishing second last season, Pirates will be looking to put up a better challenge against a rampant Mamelodi Sundowns, who are chasing a seventh consecutive title.
IOL Sport