He is one of the most lethal attackers in the Orlando Pirates squad this season, but Thembinkosi Lorch revealed he is not ready to don the Bafana Bafana jersey just yet.
Although Lorch is one of the players who have contributed in turning the Soweto giants’ fortunes around, he said his form is not a justification of a national team call-up to Stuart Baxter’s squad.
The Bucs attacker was speaking to the media ahead of their Nedbank Cup Last 16 clash against Cape Town City on Wednesday night.
Baxter is set to announce his squad for the four-nation tournament in Zambia and the 24-year-old attacker insisted that it is his dream to play for his country.
"It's every player's wish to play for Bafana but for now, I don't feel I am ready to play for the national team," Lorch told the media.
"I didn't start the season well - with injuries. So, I just need to gain some confidence. I'll have to play regularly and help my team to win games," he said.
Meanwhile, coach Milutin Sredojevic and his troops are chasing for a league and cup double this season as they meet Benni McCarthy’s side in Cape Town.
A win in the Mother City will seal a passage to the quarter-finals for the Soweto giants and are also challenging Mamelodi Sundowns in the Premier Soccer League race.
Pirates beat rivals, Kaizer Chiefs 3-1 a week ago and Lorch netted in that game as they sit in position two on the log standings with 39 points – they trail the Brazilians by four points.
However, speaking about their visit to the Cape Town Stadium, Lorch said it won’t be an easy contest against the Citizens.
"It won't be an easy game, playing away,” he added.
"We did our homework. We know their weaknesses and strengths. I feel right now as a team we are gelling and we are familiar with each other," concluded the Bloemfontein-born attacker.
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