DStv Premiership: Thembinkosi Lorch set for eagerly-anticipated Sundowns debut against former club Orlando Pirates

New Mamelodi Sundowns’ signing Thembinkosi Lorch says that it will be odd playing against his former club Orlando Pirates on the weekend, but he stressed that there was no room for sentiment in football.

Lorch, who made a surprise move from Soweto to Pretoria just before the end of the recent transfer window, looks set to make his debut for his new club on Saturday against his former employers.

Looking ahead to the game Lorch told the media: “It’s difficult to play my first game, especially against my former team, but we know it’s life and we need to move on,” he said.

“I’m hoping I will start at the weekend and do my best for my team.”

It looks likely that Lorch will play as coach Rulani Mokwena confirmed that his returning Bafana Bafana stars would be rested as they recovered from injuries and fatigue.

“The team has welcomed me well, the spirit here is amazing,” Lorch continued.

“Every player wants to play at the weekend because we are playing against Pirates, who are a big team and it’s a big game. But it’s up to the coach whether I play.

Lorch went on to pay tribute to his former club, where he had spent eight years, and their owner Irvin Khoza: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank my former team Orlando Pirates, especially Dr Irvin Khoza, for giving me the opportunity to play for them.

“I signed there when I was 22 and I left at 30.

So, I’m grateful for the opportunity he gave me. Pirates will always have a special place in my heart,” he said.

Kick-off is at 20:00.