Thembinkosi Lorch left Mamelodi Sundowns with his stock having fallen but he will return after his loan deal as one of the most sought-after players in Africa.
Lorch, who signed for Sundowns from Orlando Pirates in January 2024, did not enjoy a great career at Chloorkop, as he had hoped for, as after getting more game time under former coach Rulani Mokwena in the second half of the 2023-24 campaign, his opportunities reduced.
That followed the departure of Mokwena in July 2024, Lorch falling down the pecking order under Manqoba Mngqithi and later Miguel Cardoso and when the midseason transfer window opened, he asked for a move.
Luckily for him, Mokwena, who signed him from Pirates, was ready to take him but this time in Morocco and he joined Wydad Athletic Club on loan until the end of the season.
How did Lorch change his fortunes?
After a slow start, when he was slowly eased into the team, Lorch started producing and won his place in the team permanently, making it hard for the coach to drop him.
Since February 9, Lorch played each of Wydad’s 11 league games, starting the last eight and managed two goals, but his overall performances convinced the club that he is worth keeping.
By the time Wydad headed to the United States for the Club World Cup, Lorch had become undroppable and even the departure of Mokwena did not weaken his position as interim coach Amine Benhachem still trusted him.
What has made Lorch more prominent, however, is his performances at the Club World Cup, where he was Wydad’s best player at the tournament.
Club World a blessing for ex-Pirates star
His ability to take on his markers, get in tight spaces and willingness to shoot, provided Sundowns with an attacking outlet and he nearly scored a goal of the tournament contender when he almost caught Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson with an audacious attempt from the halfway line.
He would get his goal in the 4-1 defeat to Juventus with his coolness in front of goal before he chipped the goalkeeper after being played in by Noordin Amrabat, a joy to watch.
Following the end of their Club World Cup campaign, Wydad now find themselves in a position of weakness while the player holds all the aces.
His performances mean Wydad are now not the only team that want him, and according to KickOff, Sundowns have doubled his asking price from €500,000 (R10 million) to €1 million (R20 million) thanks to his Club World Cup display.
