Orlando Pirates forward Thembinkosi Lorch admits that he didn’t think he would be considered as the best player in the Absa Premiership at this stage of his career.

The 25-year-old was the big winner at the PSL awards last weekend after claiming both the Absa Premiership Player’s Player of the Year and Footballer of the Season award.

Lorch revealed that his emotions got the better of him upon receiving the awards, but has now opened up about his accomplishments this season.

‘That night was a surreal experience for me, it felt like it was a dream,’ Lorch told his club’s official website. ‘I never thought that at this stage of my career I would be regarded as the best player in the league. It’s a real honour.’

‘I have so many people that I need to thank for helping me reach this level, and I shared a few already, but I want to acknowledge my parents who have played a very crucial role in my life.’

The Free State-born forward has had a stellar campaign with the Buccaneers, hitting a career-best 40 matches in all competitions, while creating five assists and bagging 15 goals.

‘This has been the best season of my career by far. All the hard work that I put in this season has paid off, it’s just a pity that as a team we didn’t win any silverware,’ he added.

‘I also would like to use this opportunity now to thank some people who I omitted last night in my acceptance speech. I was very emotional and almost cried, but one day later with everything having sunk in, I would like to once again thank my parents – thank you for everything you have done for me and what you continue to do. I owe all that I have to you. I could not have done this without you, and for that reason this is as much your award as it is mine.

‘A big thanks also to the entire Pirates technical team for all they have done for me this season, and for always pushing me to do more. The pursuit for excellence is what forces us to reflect and also want to better ourselves as players.

‘And finally, to my teammates and all the players that I competed with this year, I would like to extend my gratitude to you all and thank you for voting for me. There is no better recognition than that of your own peers, and for that I will forever cherish this award. Thank you Magents, it has been an exciting season; let’s do it all again next season,’ Lorch concluded.