Orlando Pirates coach Rhulani Mokwena believes it’s only a matter of time before reigning Footballer of the Season Thembinkosi Lorch rediscovers his form.

Lorch looked a shadow of his former self this season but seemingly has begun to hit form, after scoring an 84th-minute winner against Stellenbosch FC in the Telkom Knockout Cup last 16 at the Orlando Stadium last Saturday.

Despite scoring the winning goal against the top-flight newcomers, the 26-year-old has managed to find the net only once from eight appearances in all competitions so far this season.

Mokwena insists Lorch has the talent and quality to step up his game and has urged fans so show some ‘faith and patience’ in him as the Pirates mentor is confident he will get better.

‘I know people are losing a little bit of faith and patience in him, but he will come. He is the reigning Footballer of the Season and there is a reason why Lorch is the reigning Footballer of the Season. He has got the talent and he showed again why he has that title. It can get better, he knows that. But he is very honest and wants to always improve to contribute to the team,’ Mokwena told the media.

Orlando Pirates have now advanced to the Telkom Knockout Cup quarter-finals, where they will face Soweto rivals Kaizer Chiefs for a place in the semi-finals of the knockout competition.