Thembinkosi Lorch’s form reignites calls for Bafana recall – but should he be selected for Afcon or the World Cup?
Thembinkosi Lorch in action for Wydad Casablanca s he continues a rch vein of form that could see him make a Bafana Bafana return. Photo: Instagram/@WACofficiel
Image: Instagram/@WACofficiel
With Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos finalising his plans for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup, Thembinkosi Lorch’s form for Wydad Casablanca will make him think twice about his involvement.
Lorch won his final Bafana Bafana cap – his ninth – in 2022, and fans have been calling him to be included in Broos’ plans following his impressive start to the Moroccan season. In six games, Lorch has scored three times for his team, who find themselves third in the Botola Pro 1.
But, despite his form, Lorch was not named in Broos’ provisional squad for their friendly international against Zambia next month. His omission has left club teammate Tumisang Orebonye wondering why he wasn’t getting selected.
For Lorch to be selected, Broos would have to decide if the 32-year-old gives him more than the attacking players he has in his disposal.
Currently, Oswin Appollis occupies Lorch’s preferred position out wide on the left. Appollis has been growing in stature in recent months, and was one of the best players on the pitch as Bafana Bafana beat Rwanda 3-0 to book their place in North America earlier this month.
The other player Lorch would have to compete with is Relebohile Mofokeng, whom Broos has shown a lot of belief in.
While Broos has said he would prefer to have more players playing abroad, he has often selected those based at home ahead of the ones who are overseas. Bongokuhle Hlongwane has impressed in Major League Soccer in the United States, but has not been selected by the Belgian in the last two years.
Broos will also want to avoid any pushback that will surely come with Lorch’s selection. Just two years ago, he was found guilty of assaulting his former girlfriend and handed a suspended three-year prison sentence. He was first arrested for the incident in 2020 and had faced a sentence of up to five years behind bars.
On top of his suspended sentence, Lorch was ordered to pay R100,000 to gender-based violence group People Opposing Women Abuse.
In a country struggling to combat gender-based violence, his selection to the World Cup will send the wrong message to women who have been victims of violence at the hands of their partners.
As Broos weighs his options ahead of a crucial year for South African football, his decisions will go beyond tactics and team balance. They will also speak to the values the national team represents on the global stage. In the case of Lorch, form alone may not be enough – for Bafana Bafana, character and conduct must matter just as much as ability.
IOL Sport
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