Lorch: I would swap MOTM for points

Cape Town - Orlando Pirates winger Thembinkosi Lorch was thrilled to win the man-of-the-match in the Soweto derby, but says he would happily have traded it in for a win.

Lorch, who played in the First National Division with Cape Town All Stars last season, has made a big impact since arriving at Pirates from Chippa United in a mid-season move.

He has started five matches already and it was his 33rd minute strike in the Soweto derby against Chiefs on Saturday that saw the ball deflecting into goal off Tshepo Masilela and Itumeleng Khune to level the match at 1-1, which was how it stayed until full time.

The 23-year-old impressed overall with his purposeful and pacey wing play and was awarded man-of-the-match in his first ever Soweto derby.

"I am very happy with how I played," the former Maluti FET College winger told the Pirates website. 

"The derby is a big occasion and it's easy to get lost in the hype and history behind it and freeze but fortunately I didn't experience any of that. 

"I wanted to keep things simple and do what I was expected to do... there was no need to complicate things."

However, Lorch would happily have traded in his award for the extra two points.

"Look, if I had the choice to swap my award with three points I would, but be as it may, I am very delighted to have been voted man-of-the-match. 

"This is special for me as it's my first in Pirates colours and secondly, it's in the biggest match on the SA calendar - the Soweto Derby," he added.

"I look to build on this performance and try help the team in the upcoming matches."

The Buccaneers next host SuperSport United at Orlando Stadium in an Absa Premiership clash on Tuesday eveninig.

The match is set to kick off at 19:30.