Itumeleng Khune questions Thembinkosi Lorch’s omission from Bafana Afcon squad despite stellar form
Legendary South African goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune (centre) has publicly disagreed with Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos’s decision to omit Thembinkosi Lorch from the Afcon squad despite Lorch’s impressive form at Wydad AC. Picture: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Image: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
Legendary South African goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune has weighed in on the latest Bafana Bafana squad, which was notable for missing the name of Thembinkosi Lorch.
Bafana coach Hugo Broos named a huge 54-player preliminary squad for the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) on Monday, and yet still had no room for the out-of-favour Lorch.
Earlier this year, the 32-year-old made the switch from Mamelodi Sundowns to Wydad AC. Lorch has done well since joining the Moroccan side, scoring five goals in nine games earlier this season.
Broos, however, has never been a fan of the attacking midfielder and has indicated Lorch doesn’t have any prospects with the national team.
Khune Disagrees with Broos: Calls for Lorch’s Inclusion in Afcon Squad
“This is not the future. I’m very sorry,” Broos said when asked again about Lorch. “Even though he’s playing well in Morocco, I don’t see any reason to take him with the team.”
Now, Khune has given his thoughts on the issue.
“He’s on form, we need him as a country, coach,” Khune posted on social media.
Though it was a short post, Khune did not mince his words as he showed he clearly didn’t agree with Broos.
Khune, with almost 100 appearances for Bafana and over 250 caps for Kaizer Chiefs in a 20-year career, speaking out against Broos means this is something that really concerns the former shot-stopper.
With Morocco hosting Afcon from December 21, Broos is expected to whittle down the squad to 23 names in the next few days.
One thing is certain though, Lorch will not be on that list.