It wasn’t too long ago that Thembinkosi Lorch was navigating a tough chapter in his career — stuck in limbo at Mamelodi Sundowns, his talent seemingly stalling on the sidelines.
But fast forward to the FIFA Club World Cup, and the South African winger is reminding the world why he was once one of the country’s most exciting footballers.
Now shining in Morocco for Wydad Casablanca, Lorch has flipped the narrative, going from overlooked to outstanding — and fans are loving every minute of his resurgence.
Lorch Earns Man of the Match Despite Defeat to Juventus
Wydad Casablanca might have suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat to Juventus in their second match of the tournament, but Lorch made sure his performance stood out.
The former Orlando Pirates star scored Wydad’s only goal in the first half, narrowing the gap to 2-1 at one point and keeping the dream alive — even if only briefly.
Despite the team’s loss, Lorch’s efforts didn’t go unnoticed.
He walked away with the Man of the Match award, a well-deserved recognition for a player clearly playing with purpose.
Impressive Consistency Against Top European Clubs
And it’s not just the Juventus game that has people talking.
Lorch also impressed during Wydad’s match against Manchester City — showing consistency, composure, and flair even against some of Europe’s biggest names.
His performance has elevated him to being one of the top-performing African players at this year’s Club World Cup.
Fans Applaud Rulani Mokwena’s Role in the Comeback
Much of the praise for Lorch’s return to form has been directed toward Rulani Mokwena — the coach who took a chance on him when things weren’t looking great.
Mokwena’s decision to bring Lorch to Wydad earlier this year now seems like a masterstroke.
On social media, fans have been quick to celebrate both the player and the coach.
One user, @RealTshemedi, tweeted: “Lorch has a hot song named after him.
He is also playing at the Club World Cup and shining. You gotta Stan a goat.”
Social Media Erupts with Praise for Lorch
Another user, @JoBertrand19, wrote: “Lorch just scored for Wydad against Juventus.
What a player when he is on form and with the right mindset. Another great advertisement for SA football at this Club World Cup.”
@khedsmann chimed in with a coach’s shoutout: “Rulani Mokwena built a monster in Lorch. His blueprint is all over this Wydad team.”
And @MT_Ntsonda added: “We don’t thank Rulani Mokwena enough for taking Thembinkosi Lorch to Morocco.
This one’s for you, Coach Rulani. You understood the assignment and delivered our star to the world stage.”
A Moment of Redemption for South African Football
Lorch’s journey from a frustrated star in South Africa to a standout at the Club World Cup is more than just a comeback story — it’s a source of pride for fans back home.
As he continues to light up the international stage, it’s clear he’s not just playing for Wydad Casablanca — he’s playing for all the supporters who never stopped believing in him.
Got thoughts on Lorch’s resurgence? Drop a comment or message the team — his journey is only getting better from here.