Former Bafana Bafana stars laud Lorch's stellar display against Manchester City

Thembinkosi Lorch versus Manchester City. Photo credit: Wydad AC

Former Bafana Bafana internationals Shaun Bartlett and Bongani Khumalo have heaped praise on Thembinkosi Lorch following his stellar display for Wydad Athletic Club against European football giants Manchester City in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku scored the goals as City claimed three points at the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Wednesday. However, Lorch's dazzling performance was the talk of South Africa.

Lorch was arguably Wydad's most influential player on the day. He nearly caught City goalkeeper Ederson off guard with an audacious long-range effort from his own half, and skillfully set up Cassius Mailula for Wydad's best scoring opportunity after expertly outmanoeuvring new City signing Tijjani Reijnders.

Speaking after the match, both Bartlett and Khumalo were effusive in their commendation of Lorch's performance on such a big stage.

"He had quite a productive day on the field. I was quite disappointed when they took him off, obviously managing him as a player [...] But I think overall he tried his best," Bartlett commented on SuperSport TV.

"He was all over the pitch, being influential, taking shots from long range and even setting up Cassius [Mailula] in the first half. I think it was just that final product that never came for Wydad."

Khumalo echoed Bartlett's sentiments, suggesting that the decision to substitute Lorch was a tactical move to conserve his energy for Wydad's upcoming fixtures against Juventus and Al Ain.

"A wonderful start from him. He truly is an important player for Wydad [...] I think his coach was saving his legs for the next fixture, for him to go for it. City were in the lead, the game sort of died out, so saving his legs, keeping his energy alive, it’s tournament football.

"Three games go by very quickly. It’s a game every three days. It’s important to remain fresh," concluded Khumalo.