Kaizer Chiefs get Lorch encouragement after fresh twist in Libya

Thembinkosi Lorch has reportedly been excluded from the squad by the new coach of Libyan outfit Al-Ittihad Tripoli.

Lorch has not enjoyed a great spell in Libya since his midseason signing from Wydad Athletic Club and it seems his time at the club is coming to an end.

According to Eram News, Al-Ittihad’s Libyan coach Fawzi Benzarti has axed Lorch from the squad ahead of the new season which kicks off with a match against Al-Shumou’ Club on Wednesday.

Why Lorch has been cast aside

The former Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns forward has reportedly not impressed Benzarti during the preparations for the new season and given the number of new players signed, Lorch looks to have been sacrificed for the new arrivals.

Lorch’s situation is not helped by the fact that Al-Ittihad are required to register seven foreign players with new signings striker Sofiane Boufal (Morocco), defender Ali Youssef, Tunisians Hamza Ben Abda and Mehdi Gannouni, striker Jacques Diarra (Burkina Faso), Onuchi Ogbelo from Nigeria given priority by Benzarti ahead of the South African.

The move casts doubt about Lorch’s future at the club with the veteran tactician looking to have made up his mind, leaving ‘Nyoso’ in a tight spot at a critical stage of the season.

Encouragement for Kaizer Chiefs?

Lorch has had a difficult time in Libya since his big-money move from Wydad in January, playing seven games and managing one goal.

His situation has become tough following the departure of coach Rulani Mokwena, who first signed him at Sundowns, before reuniting with him in Morocco and then Libya.

Lorch’s uncertain future will likely put his suitors on alert ahead of the January transfer window, or even earlier, if the two parties agree to part ways before the new year.

Kaizer Chiefs are among teams who have been credited with an interest in Lorch, who would bring plenty of experience to Fernando da Cruz’s squad were he to land at Naturena.