Mamelodi Sundowns have been handed a boost ahead of the MTN8 quarter-finals with the return from injury of one of the biggest names on their roster, Thembinkosi Lorch, who has so far divided opinion with his displays.
'Nyoso', as Lorch is affectionately known, has not been in action for the Sundowns since May, towards the end of last season, where he was understood to have sustained an injury.
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Then head coach Rulani Mokwena confirmed that the player would miss the Nedbank Cup final against Orlando Pirates, an encounter that was eventually won by the latter with a 2-1 scoreline.
"He is injured, but he has been removed from the group. He got injured against Stellenbosch and he might have to undergo surgery. This is the last game of the season and it is done for him," Mokwena said, at the time.
Since then, much has changed at Chloorkop with the exit of Mokwena as head coach, the return of Steve Komphela in a senior coach role and the arrival of former AmaZulu FC head coach Romain Folz as assistant coach.
How those changes will affect the team will be put to a competitive test next Sunday, 11 August, when The Brazilians take on Polokwane City in the MTN8 quarter-final.
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In what will be pleasing news for the Masandawana faithful, Lorch was pictured among the players that resumed full training at the club's base in Chloorkop this week and could be part of the side's first match of the season.
Prior to his injury, Lorch had proven to be one the team's most important players, contributing six goals and four assists in 30 appearances across all competitions. However, he did have his fair share of secrets with some believing he was rushed into the starting line-up from a different set-up.
Meanwhile, Sundowns have also welcomed several new signings winger Kobamelo Kodisang, defenders Kegan Johannes and Asekho Tiwani and striker Arthur Sales.