Pirates' record-chasing Lorch in race to be fit for highly-anticipated 'El Kasico'

Orlando Pirates co-coach Mandla Ncikazi is hopeful that Thembinkosi Lorch will be passed fit to play in the Soweto Derby against rivals Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday.

On Wednesday, the 28-year-old was injured in Tuesday's training and missed the goalless DStv Premiership draw with Cape Town City.

Tshegofatso Mabasa was also absent from the Bucs' line-up, while Happy Jele only played 17 minutes at the end of the game.

"Lorch had an injury [on Tuesday]. He was in the team; in the last preparation, he had a muscle strain, which is why we couldn't take him along.

"We hope from our medical team to get the feedback whether he'll be ready [for the derby] or not ready, but currently we're not sure.

"With Happy, it's just management. With Happy contributing so well as a leader in the team but again, we still have to manage him. He's played so many games.

"He played the whole match when we played in Nelspruit on the weekend.

"Mabasa is okay; it's just the competition. Pirates have six to seven good strikers. He's training well, and I hope he's getting his opportunity soon."

If Lorch does not cut the weekend's matchday squad, the speedy forward will again miss the chance to climb the all-time Soweto Derby scorers list.

1. Patrick Ntsoelengoe - 19

2. Marks Maponyane - 11

3. Nelson Dladla - 11

4. Jomo Sono - 9

5. Jerry Sikhosana - 6

6. Thembinkosi Lorch - 5

7. Benedict Vilakazi - 4

8. Siphiwe Tshabalala - 4

9. Leonardo Castro - 4

10. Lesley Manyathela - 3

After being ruled out for the season in September last year, he has been stagnant on five goals – sixth on the all-time list.

However, Lorch remarkably recovered but finds himself in the medical office again.

Chiefs' fit-again Leonardo Castro, who is on four Soweto Derby goals, has a chance to dethrone