Cape Town - Orlando Pirates forward Thembinkosi Lorch says the club have to claim the Absa Premiership trophy in 2018/19 after beating Black Leopards 2-0 on Wednesday at Orlando Stadium.

Luvuyo Memela opened the scoring with a rasping free-kick in the first-half before Lorch wrapped up the three points with a header in the 80th minute.

The result sees the Sea Robbers move three points clear of Mamelodi Sundowns in the league title race, though the Brazilians do have two games in hand.

Lorch, who returned from suspension for the clash and was later named man-of-the-match, told SuperSport TV: "I'd like to thank God for the talent and the opportunity that he gave me, also I'd like to the thank the technical team and the supporters for supporting me.

"We had a plan for this game, we know we're playing a good team (Black) Leopards. They move all over the pitch, it was difficult, but we managed to score the first goal.

"We knew they were going to come at us and so we had to play on transition. It worked for us. It's important not to concede and score goals because the goals will help us [in case of tied points at the end of the season].

"We can win the league, we have to win the league. The belief is there. Even the coaches told us we must keep on believing, work hard and the results will come."

The Buccaneers are next in action on Saturday at Orlando Stadium when they take on Free State Stars.

Kick-off is at 20:15.