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The Citizen
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Lorch showed the world what he is made of at the Club World Cup
Amapiano pioneers DJ Maphorisa and Kabza de Small say Lorch lived up to his song at the Club World Cup. Thembinkosi Lorch scores for Wydad against Juventus at the Club World Cup in the USA. Picture: EPA/WILL OLIVER Showmax Premier League While Wydad AC exited the FIFA Club World Cup this week, one name has resonated across the global football stage: Thembinkosi Lorch. ALSO READ: Pirates announce a magnificent seven The South African maestro's electrifying performances for the Moroccan giants have captivated audiences, culminating in a spectacular goal against Italian powerhouse Juventus. The world bears witness to Lorch magic Lorch's undeniable impact, despite his team's early departure, has been witnessed around the globe. Two men in particular who have watched him closely are South African musicians DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small. The two have special interest in Lorch, having released the song 'Lorch' in 2019, which is a song that pays tribute to the footballer. This week, Showmax Premier League caught up with the musicians to chat about Lorch's rise in the football world and how he has taken the international stage by storm. Amapiano pioneers DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small, better known as the Scorpion Kings, have reflected on the inspiration behind their chart-topping tribute 'Lorch' and the footballers current brilliance. When asked about the reasoning behind the song 'Lorch' in 2019, DJ Maphorisa revealed, 'When we made Lorch, it was during a time when Thembinkosi was dominating South African football,' said Maphorisa. 'He was the player that everyone was talking about – whether you were a football fan or not, you knew about Lorch. His performance in the Soweto Derby where he scored against Kaizer Chiefs really stood out. But beyond just one game, it was the flair, the confidence, and the swagger he carried on the pitch. That energy is the same energy we wanted in the song – something that feels alive, exciting, and full of vibes.' 'He became an icon of excellence' Kabza De Small added: 'Lorch has always had that thing. It's not just his skills – it's the way he is, how he carries himself, the way he represents the youth, the hustle. He became an icon of excellence and ambition for young South Africans. Just like in music, when someone shines that bright, we must celebrate it. That's why we did the song.' The simplicity of the song's title, 'Lorch,' was a deliberate choice to amplify its impact. 'Yeah. Just the name Lorch alone carries the association. When you hear the song, whether you're at groove, in a taxi, or watching football, you immediately know the vibe. It was meant to be an anthem – a direct shoutout, something simple but powerful. One name, big meaning.' Witnessing Lorch's dazzling displays at the FIFA Club World Cup has been a source of immense pride for the musicians. When asked if they ever envisioned him reaching such heights, Kabza confidently says yes. ALSO READ: Sundowns can hold their heads high despite Club World Cup exit 'When someone has that much talent and dedication, it's only a matter of time before the world catches on. We always knew Lorch was special. He's showing the world what South Africa is made of, just like we are with our music.' 'His playground' DJ Maphorisa was particularly impressed by Lorch's composure under pressure. 'Just like us on stage, the biggest platforms can either break you or bring out the best in you. Lorch looks fearless out there. It's like he's making the world his playground, and we love to see it.' The global spotlight on Lorch has also brought a new dimension to their iconic track. 'It's unbelievable but great' says Kabza. 'The song has definitely taken on a new meaning. Back then, it was a celebration of his local greatness – now, we can celebrate that it's an anthem that follows him globally. It's like the soundtrack to his journey, and it makes us proud to have been part of telling his story from early on.' Beyond football, DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small hope their song continues to inspire young South Africans across all fields. 'That's always been the mission,' Maphorisa emphasised. Whether its football, music, fashion, or whatever your hustle – we want young people to know that if Lorch can do it, if The Scorpion Kings can do it, then you can too. 'Dream big, work hard, and stay true to yourself. The song is bigger than just football – it's about believing in yourself.' Looking to the future, the Scorpion Kings have high hopes for Lorch's career. 'The sky is the limit for Lorch,' says Kabza. 'We'd love to see him continue breaking barriers in his journey. And definitely, we hope to see him shine in the national team jersey again.' Sign up for the Showmax Premier League mobile plan for R99 p/m at for all the Premier League action and more.
The South African
10-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Fish worries Kaizer Chiefs fans?
Orlando Pirates are the favourites to beat Kaizer Chiefs in today's Nedbank Cup final. Mark Fish has explained this rather well. 'It's a cup final, so obviously it's a big game for both teams,' Fish told Showmax Premier League . 'However, if you look at the progress of the two teams, this game is massive for Chiefs, while for Pirates it's just another game. 'Pirates have shown consistency and composure under pressure. They've been here before and they've delivered. Chiefs, on the other hand, are under serious pressure to lift a trophy. Obviously the new coach has been there for a season, but him and the players will understand that this is a very big game for them. It's a massive occasion. 'It's not difficult to predict a winner in my opinion. Pirates are the favourites and I expect them to get the job done and handle the expectations of a cup final,' Fish added. Kick off will be at 15:30 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
09-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
'It's not difficult to predict Nedbank Cup winner'
Orlando Pirates legend Mark Fish is backing his former club to beat Kaizer Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup final on Saturday afternoon. The two Soweto giants clash for the third time this season this weekend at the Moses Mabhida Stadium. Fish, who has played for the Buccaneers between 1993 and 1996, feels the pressure is on Chiefs to deliver having gone a decade without silverware. 'It's a cup final, so obviously it's a big game for both teams,' Fish told Showmax Premier League . 'However, if you look at the progress of the two teams, this game is massive for Chiefs, while for Pirates it's just another game.' 'Obviously the new coach has been there for (only) a season, but him and the players will understand that this is a very big game for them. It's a massive occasion,' Fish added. Orlando Pirates have won five of their last five finals and it's easy to see why Mark Fish has backed them to beat Chiefs in the final. 'It's not difficult to predict a winner in my opinion. Pirates are the favourites and I expect them to get the job done and handle the expectations of a cup final,' Fish said. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
08-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Pirates legend Fish says the pressure is on Chiefs in Nedbank final
'This game is massive for Chiefs, while for Pirates it's just another game,' the Pirates legend told Showmax Premier League. Mark Fish has backed his former side Orlando Pirates to win the Nedbank Cup. Picture: Djaffar Ladjal/BackpagePix Orlando Pirates legend Mark Fish believes it is Kaizer Chiefs who will be feeling the heat when the two side's clash in Saturday's Nedbank Cup final. ALSO READ: How unwavering family love fuels Pirates' Mofokeng The Buccaneers will go into the game at the Moses Mabhida Stadium as clear favourites. Pirates have already won the MTN8 this season, are putting up a decent fight in the Betway Premiership title race, and reached the Caf Champions League semifinals. Pirates are knockout kings The Buccaneers have won the MTN8 three times in a row under Spanish coach Jose RIveiro, and are also going for three Nedbank Cups on the spin. Nasreddine Nabi's Chiefs, meanwhile, have had a dismal campaign in the Premiership and are in danger of missing out on qualification for the MTN8 for the second campaign in a row. If Amakhosi lose to Pirates on Saturday, they will have gone a decade without a single piece of Premier Soccer League silverware. 'It's a cup final, so obviously it's a big game for both teams,' Fish told Showmax Premier League. 'However, if you look at the progress of the two teams, this game is massive for Chiefs, while for Pirates it's just another game.' 'Obviously the new coach has been there for (only) a season, but him and the players will understand that this is a very big game for them. It's a massive occasion.' ALSO READ: Pirates' Ncikazi says Chiefs are favourites to win final 'Not difficult to predict a winner' And Fish has no doubt that it is Pirates who will emerge triumphant on Saturday. 'It's not difficult to predict a winner in my opinion. Pirates are the favourites and I expect them to get the job done and handle the expectations of a cup final.' Catch the Nedbank Cup final between Kaizer Chiefs and Pirates, live on Showmax Premier League on Saturday, 10 May, at 15:30.
IOL News
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
We don't need to worry about what Arsenal is doing. It's in our hands
Just two victories separate Liverpool from Premier League glory. This weekend could see them take a giant leap towards that title as they face a Leicester City side battling relegation. Ahead of Sunday's crucial clash, Showmax Premier League sat down with the electrifying Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai. The Hungarian maestro gives us his insights on the upcoming game, reflects on a remarkable season, and reveals why this chapter has been the happiest of his life. Also, stick around for some quick-fire questions with the dynamic Szoboszlai. 2025 is set to be a big year for you. What would you say will be the standout moment for you: the Premier League title or your upcoming wedding? Of course, I think the most important part of football is family and your own life, so I would take the marriage as the most important and then the Premier League. It isn't a big gap between the two, but I would say marriage first than the Premier League title. Would you say this is the happiest time of your career ever? I would say yes. I found the right people around me as well, not only in football, but also outside of football. Guys who have helped me with everything, who do my work outside of football. Then the people who work in football, not only on the pitch but off the pitch as well. And, well, on the pitch, we are two games away from winning the Premier League, so we are in a good way. How much do you feel you've matured and changed as a person since arriving at Liverpool? I have changed 180 degrees, probably in a good way. Let's rather say in a different way, because before I joined, I wasn't in a bad way. I am just in a different way now: everything is good in life and never been better. Liverpool is a maximum of two wins away from winning the Premier League title. How does that feel? Or would you rather have it over and done with and wrapped up already? It feels very good. I will take the two games. It's good because we worked so hard the whole season to get to this point and everybody was involved somehow, from the players to the staff, to the city, to the fans and everyone else, so I think it's going to be a huge moment for everyone. But we still have two games to go. How important is it that you and the team keep focused against Leicester City and get the job done? I think it's very important to keep calm and focus solely on the game against Leicester City. We don't even need to think about what Arsenal does. We just must focus on ourselves because it is in our own hands. We don't have to worry about other teams' results and whether they win, lose or draw. We need to take it game by game. What did you make of the West Ham game? That was a crazy end to it. Yes, it was crazy. We know that we can't calm down and say we have done it already, because we haven't. We need to be focused on every game for the entire 90 minutes. After we scored that own goal, I saw there was still ten minutes on the clock, and we believed that we could score another one. Two minutes before we scored the winner, we had another corner where we almost scored, so we had a good chance before that too. When we got the next corner, I was like 'Come on now, please, we have to do it.' Was it a good thing for Virgil van Dijk to score the winner and get that feel-good moment at Anfield, considering he could be on the verge of signing a new contract with Liverpool, and that moment could have just pushed him over the edge to sign his contract? It's not my job to answer these types of questions. I am happy that he is with us now and it's his decision and the club's decision what will happen next. What has the season been like for you? It's been unbelievable with plenty of ups and downs. We were first in the Champions League group stage and then got knocked out by Paris. We got to the Carabao Cup final and were beaten against Newcastle. And now we are two games away from winning the Premier League, so it has had its up and downs. But overall, a good season – an intense one. Quick fire questions with Dominik Szoboszlai:
