Thembinkosi Lorch Welcomed Back by Orlando Pirates Following GBV-Related Suspension

• Thembinkosi Lorch has served his internal Orlando Pirates ban and is ready to resume action
• He was left out after being given a suspended three-year sentence for an assault conviction
• Orlando Pirates believe that Lorch is fully rehabilitated after undergoing anger management

A time of reflection for Thembinkosi Lorch can help him put the past behind him.

He is free to lace up for Orlando Pirates following the completion of a three-week ban given to him by the club on November 22.

The creative wideman was found guilty of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm in June and was given three years in prison, a sentence suspended for five years.

After an internal process, Pirates suspended Lorch until December 12. The club announced the following day that Lorch had retaken the club's pledge and was free to focus on the business of winning.

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The pledge referred to by the club is a commitment to the equality and respect of women and children. It acknowledges that violence against the vulnerable is 'waging a war' on South Africa.

The club's statement continues:

"Like manners once did, violence is now shaping and obsessing our society. If we do not stop it, it will stop us, and our children will have a bleak future."

The Buccaneers expect their players to be role models within society, which includes speaking up against violence targeted at women and children, being sympathetic to their plight, and being exemplary through their deeds.

Hugo Broos must submit his Bafana Bafana squad at the end of the year, leaving the window open for Lorch to try and impress the Belgian.

Pirates have three matches left this year for the playmaker to impress in, beginning with Golden Arrows, followed by SuperSport United and Stellenbosch FC.

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Hugo Broos interrupted by bonus stalemate

Sports Brief previously reported on South African players expressing dissatisfaction with their AFCON bonuses.

Meanwhile, Broos is gearing up to submit his preliminary squad for the continental showpiece in Ivory Coast.

The final squad list must be submitted to CAF by January 3, with the team set to assemble later in the week.