Thembinkosi Lorch: Is Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos in denial even after stating Nyoso ‘is playing well?’

There have been calls to Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos to consider Thembinkosi Lorch for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11.

Since his exit from the Premier Soccer to North Africa, Nyoso, as he is commonly referred to, has been excellent. Prior to his move to Libyan outfit Al-Ittihad, the versatile attacker had eight goals and four assists in 30 games he played for Wydad Athletic Club.

The 32-year-old has been a key player for Rhulani Mokwena’s team, explaining why the Belgian tactician has been asked to consider him for the prestigious global competition.

In the past, Broos has been quoted as saying there is nothing Lorch will bring to the team. However, in his recent interview on 947 with Robert Marawa, the 73-year-old explained the challenge he has in including Nyoso in his team.

Lorch is playing well, but…

“Firstly, I think he [Lorch] has many supporters because it’s already been four months that people have been talking about him, but people forget what Lorch did in the last two years,” the former Cameroon coach stated.

“He was leaving Pirates, not because you are a star; he went to Sundowns, then he left Sundowns. I think he was happy when he was with Rulani in Morocco, where he could score.

“And now I’m honest, he’s playing well, but if you take Lorch, tell me who doesn’t go to the World Cup. Knowing that he’s a player who plays behind the striker, tell me [who must remain behind?].

“I can’t go with 26 players, tell me [who has to go out]. It’s very difficult to take a player who was never with us and drop a player who was always with us. Therefore, the choice we make is not always a sporting choice; it can be that the guys who have always been with us didn’t disappoint, so why should we change that?” Broos asked.