Orlando Pirates have suspended Thembinkosi Lorch from all club activities until 12 December. The suspension comes in the backdrop of his court case against his ex-girlfriend, Fundiswa Mathithibala.

Lorch was found guilty of assaulting his ex-girlfriend and was sentenced in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday. The Orlando Pirates s
 

 
COURT SENTENCING
However, his sentence was suspended for five years on condition he was not found guilty of a similar offence during the same period. Against the sentence, he was ordered to pay a fine of R100 000.

The fine will be paid in instalments to a non-governmental organisation, People Opposing Women Abuse. No doubt his court sentence sparked a debate on social media, with many dragging the club into the mix.

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Orlando Pirates Thembinkosi Lorch
Orlando Pirates team picture. Image: BackpagePix @Muzi Ntombela
WHEN WILL THEMBINKOSI LORCH RETURN FROM SUSPENSION?
Against his court sentencing, the club issued a statement revealing that the star has been suspended from all club activities until December. Part of the statement reads: “Having said, that the Club has removed Thembinkosi Lorch from all Club activities until December 12.”

The suspension will see Lorch missing two DStv Premier League games against Moroka Swallows and Richards Bay. Struggling Orlando Pirates will square off with Richards Bay on 25 November before hosting Swallows on 5 December.

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No doubt, this will be the second time the talisman will be on the sidelines this season after missing the opening part of the campaign. Lorch has been out of play for months after a career-threatening injury and court woes.

Against his return, his command of the game saw him winning several man-of-the-match awards across all competitions.