Latest news with #ThembinkosiLorch
IOL News
2 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Thembinkosi Lorch's future: Back to Wydad or staying in SA?
What's up with Lorch? Thembinkosi Lorch, who starred for Wydad Casablanca during the FIFA Club World Cup, could be on his way back to Morocco, according to reports. Photo: Charly Triballeau/AFP Thembinkosi Lorch has been back in the country since ending his loan with Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca, but according to reports, he could be heading back to North Africa. The 32-year-old is unwanted by parent club Mamelodi Sundowns and has been training on his own as he looks for a new club. During the FIFA Club World Cup, Lorch turned a few heads with his performance against some of the biggest clubs in the world. As a result of performing on the world stage, it's thought he will not struggle in his search. Wydad had been keen to keep him permanently after his loan ended, but the club couldn't reach a deal with Sundowns. Now, further reports suggest he could be returning to Wydad. According to KickOff, the club are keen to go back to the negotiating table to hash out a deal for the player who became a favourite among fans.
Morocco World
6 days ago
- Sport
- Morocco World
Wydad Blow It: Lorch Deal on the Brink as Club Refuses Demands
South African winger Thembinkosi Lorch is at the centre of a transfer tussle after Wydad Casablanca failed to secure a permanent deal following a successful loan spell, Africafoot reports. The 30-year-old impressed during the second half of the 2024/25 season with the Moroccan side, notably starring in the FIFA Club World Cup against Manchester City and scoring against Juventus. However, Wydad were unable to meet the $600,000 buyout clause before the deadline. Lorch, who is no longer part of Mamelodi Sundowns' plans, is now attracting interest from Kaizer Chiefs (South Africa), FC Seoul (South Korea), and Al Ettifaq (Saudi Arabia). Wydad remain keen, though financial constraints may hinder a late move. According to Africafoot, Sundowns initially valued the player at around €1 million, but may lower the asking price due to a lack of interest. Lorch's agent has reportedly received concrete offers from the three other clubs, with a decision expected soon. Lorch has yet to return to Sundowns following the end of his loan. Speaking after Sundowns' 4-0 MTN8 quarter-final win over Richards Bay FC, head coach Miguel Cardoso declined to confirm whether the winger would remain at the club. 'Regarding Lorch, just like with Mudau, Lucas, and Peter, I'm not going to discuss it,' Cardoso said. 'But with Lorch, it's a situation that comes from the past, and those will be addressed and solved by the club. In proper time, you will have the information that will be public.' Lorch joined Sundowns from Orlando Pirates in January 2024, but has struggled for consistent game time. Tags: botola proLorchMamelodi Sundowns
The Citizen
7 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Sundowns reject Offer for Mudau, player wants improved terms
Alongside Thembinkosi Lorch, Mudau didn't report for pre-season training at the Royal Marang Hotel in Rustenburg ahead of the 2025/26 PSL season. Khuliso Mudau is reportedly unsettled at Mamelodi Sundowns following the club's decision to reject an overseas offer for his services. Sundowns reject Middle East bid The bid is said to have come from a club in the Middle East, following his standout performances at the recent FIFA Club World Cup. But it was deemed below the club's valuation of the Bafana Bafana defender, ALSO READ: Ndamane set for Galaxy exit amid Sundowns and Pirates interest Phakaaathi understands that Mudau has since approached Sundowns' management to renegotiate his contract, seeking terms that reflect the value the club appears to place on him. However, the club has yet to meet his request, leaving the 30-year-old increasingly frustrated. Mudau played in all three of Sundowns' matches at the global tournament in the United States, facing Ulsan HD, Borussia Dortmund, and Fluminense. His consistent form on the international stage has raised his profile and drawn interest from abroad. While speculation has linked him with clubs in North Africa and even Kaizer Chiefs, sources close to the situation have poured cold water on those rumours. Alongside Thembinkosi Lorch, Mudau didn't report for pre-season training at the Royal Marang Hotel in Rustenburg ahead of the 2025/26 PSL season. No Mudau in MTN8 Mudau was absent during the MTN8 Cup quarterfinal where Zuko Mdunyelwa filled in during the 4-0 win over Richards Bay at Lucas Moripe Stadium on Sunday. ALSO READ: Lorch edging closer to Sundowns exit amid North African links As things stand, it remains unclear whether Mudau and Sundowns can reach a resolution, but his future at the club is increasingly uncertain because of the stand off.
IOL News
31-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Unwanted by Sundowns and training alone – should Thembinkosi Lorch head to Kaizer Chiefs?
Out of favour Thembinkosi Lorch in action for Wydad Casablanca. The 32-year-old is back in the country after his loan spell with the Moroccan side ended. Photo: Instagram/@WACofficiel Image: Instagram/@WACofficiel Thembinkosi Lorch is back in South Africa after his loan spell with Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca came to an end. After impressing at the recently completed FIFA Club World Cup, Wydad were reportedly interested in keeping the 32-year-old former Orlando Pirates star permanently but couldn't come to an agreement with parent club Mamelodi Sundowns, where he remains contracted. However, Sundowns don't seem to have any plans for Lorch going into the new season, and the forward is reportedly training on his own as he looks to remain fit for action. Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ So, what are Lorch's options as the new season approaches? One club that could benefit from his senior-level experience and ability to consistently trouble defences is Kaizer Chiefs, who are still looking to sign senior players with proven PSL experience. It's well documented that Chiefs struggled for goals last season. They dominated teams countless times, but their struggles in front of goal saw them fall so far that they finished outside of the top half when the campaign ended. They've attempted to address those struggles by signing Flavio Silva, but the Guinea-Bissau-born Portuguese striker, whose best form was in the Indonesian league, will need time to acclimatise to South African football. And in last weekend's Toyota Cup friendly game against Asante Kotoko, Silva didn't do much to ease fans' concerns. With Lorch operating out wide or just behind the striker, Chiefs would gain a player capable of unlocking defences and consistently creating chances for his teammates. While he would be one of the most creative players in South African football, he also knows his way to goal and could contribute with a goal or two when needed. Lorch would add a lot of value to a young Chiefs side that is short on experience. If they can convince him to move to Naturena, it could be a shrewd move that does wonders for the club. With the new season fast approaching, Kaizer Chiefs still have key gaps to fill – especially in attack, where creativity and composure have been lacking. A player like Lorch, with his top-level experience and game-changing ability, could bring much-needed balance and leadership to a side in transition. He may not be the long-term solution, but in the short term, Lorch could be exactly the kind of difference-maker Chiefs need to get back to winning ways. IOL Sport * The views expressed are not necessarily the views of IOL or Independent Media. ** JOIN THE CONVERSATION: Send us an email with your comments, thoughts or responses to iolletters@ Letters should be a maximum of 500 words, and may be edited for length. Anonymous correspondence will not be published. Submissions should include a contact number and physical address (not for publication). Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
The South African
25-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Thembinkosi Lorch set to leave Sundowns and join NEW club
Mamelodi Sundowns and Thembinkosi Lorch are set to part ways. Lorch is reportedly training on his own while his Masandawana teammates get ready for the new season at the Royal Marang Hotel. Now, new reports suggest the Sundowns star could follow his favourite coach back to North Africa! READ MORE • Five more Orlando Pirates players could leave as Ouaddou wants to trim squad further! READ MORE • Kaizer Chiefs handed golden opportunity to sign Djoumekou! Thembinkosi Lorch has returned back to Mamelodi Sundowns after completing his six-month loan deal at Wydad Athletic Club. The talented winger joined the North African giants in January, who were under the guidance of Rulani Mokwena at the time. Now, with Mokwena joining MC Alger, reports suggest Thembinkosi Lorch could soon be on his way to the Algerian giants! 'Lorch's future at Mamelodi Sundowns is hanging in the balance, with growing signs suggesting the winger is pushing for a move away from the club ahead of the new 2025/26 PSL season,' a Citizen report read. 'Phakaaathi understands that a possible reunion between Lorch and Mokwena is on the cards as he continues to keep fit on his own.' READ MORE • Orlando Pirates set their sights on another big-name signing! A move back to Wydad Athletic Club remains a possibility. But a reunion with Rulani Mokwena is now on the cards! Where would you like to see the Mamelodi Sundowns star go to next? Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@ or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. You can also follow @ TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
