Rulani urges Lorch to follow Themba Zwane’s path after Bafana snub

MC Alger head coach Rulani Mokwena has weighed in on the contentious exclusion of the in-form attacker Thembinkosi Lorch from the Bafana Bafana squad, despite the player’s stellar resurgence with Moroccan giants Wydad Casablanca.

Lorch has been the subject of intense debate after successfully resurrecting his career in the Botola Pro 1. Having struggled for game time at Mamelodi Sundowns, Lorch sealed a permanent move to Wydad earlier this year, following an impressive loan spell where he produced dazzling performances against top European clubs like Manchester City FC and Juventus FC in the FIFA Club World Cup.

The former Orlando Pirates star has enjoyed a fantastic start to the current season with the Red Castle, recording five goals and three assists in just nine appearances across all competitions.

The attacker’s vein of form has led many to tip him for an immediate Bafana Bafana recall. However, national team coach Hugo Broos recently stated that the attacker’s age, currently 32, is a factor in his decision to leave him out of the upcoming AFCON camp.

Mokwena’s Advice To Lorch: Be Too Good to Ignore

Rulani Mokwena, who coached Lorch during his initial loan spell at Wydad, advised the player to draw inspiration from the career arc of Mamelodi Sundowns veteran, Themba Zwane (‘Mshishi’). Zwane similarly struggled to break into the Bafana squad during the early days of Broos’ tenure, often being overlooked due to his age.

Mokwena, speaking to SAFJA Journalists, recounted the lesson he gave to ‘Mshishi’ and how it applies perfectly to his ex-player: “For Lorch, he just needs to look at Themba Zwane as a source of inspiration. Themba Zwane was in the same position,” Mokwena explained. “I remember saying to ‘Mshishi’ that; ‘you have to be so good that it’s difficult to ignore you’. And that’s exactly what he did.”

Mokwena praised Broos for eventually changing his mind, noting the coach’s honesty about his initial error. Broos famously recalled Zwane, stating that “a wise man changes his mind” and admitting he was wrong about the midfielder.

“That means if he can rescind his opinion on Themba Zwane, I’m sure if Lorch continues this way,” Mokwena concluded, adding that he is hearing positive feedback from the Wydad hierarchy, including the club president, Hicham Ait Menna, regarding Lorch’s improved conduct and professionalism.