"Man for big stages": Rulani Mokwena's high praise for Thembinkosi Lorch

Thembinkosi Lorch. Photo credit: Wydad AC

Former Wydad Athletic Club head coach Rulani Mokwena has made a bold prediction about attacking midfielder Thembinkosi Lorch, asserting that he has even more to offer and thrives on the biggest footballing platforms.

Lorch, who joined Wydad on a six-month loan from Mamelodi Sundowns, has already impressed in Morocco. The 31-year-old has featured in 16 matches across all competitions, bagging three goals.

The former PSL Player of the Season is also set to compete on a global stage, having travelled with Wydad to the FIFA Club World Cup in the USA, where they are drawn in Group G alongside powerhouses Manchester City, Juventus, and Al Ain.

Mokwena, who played a key role in bringing Lorch to the Botola League, spoke highly of the player's progression and untapped potential.

"Lorch has the talent, and we all know that," Mokwena told iDiski Times. "He’s a player I like a lot for the final third because he has a lot of weapons. When he’s at his best, he influences the result. His adaptation has been gradual. I think he should be scoring more, and I told him this."

Mokwena detailed the tactical adjustments needed for Lorch to maximise his impact.

"We worked on certain movements and situations, and he knows how to finish and find the spaces around the box," added Mokwena. "The legs don’t allow for movements from deeper areas that then place greater physical demands in making movements towards the box.

"This is why he needs to be a bit more patient in movement, receiving the ball, and arriving in spaces than earlier in his career."