Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has finally addressed the elephant in the room. Despite a career resurgence in North Africa with Wydad Casablanca, fan-favorite Thembinkosi Lorch is unlikely to be part of the historic squad traveling to the USA, Mexico, and Canada for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In a candid interview with Robert Marawa on 947, Broos detailed the tactical and emotional reasoning behind leaving out the former PSL Player of the Season.
“Who Do I Drop?” – The Selection Headache
For Broos, the decision isn’t just about Lorch’s current form—it’s about the integrity of the group that got Bafana Bafana to the world stage. Lorch has not featured for the national team in over four years, while the current squad has built a tight-knit chemistry.
“It’s very difficult to take a player who was never with us and drop a player who was always with us,” Broos explained. “The choice we make is not always a sporting choice; it’s about the guys who have always been with us and didn’t disappoint.”
The Tactical Conflict
While Lorch has found his scoring boots under Rulani Mokwena in Morocco, Broos pointed out a specific positional logjam.
- The Role: Lorch operates best as a “second striker” or a “number 10.”
- The Challenge: Broos challenged critics to name a player from the current established setup who deserves to be axed to make room for Lorch.
A Journey of Ups and Downs
Broos didn’t shy away from Lorch’s turbulent recent years, referencing his exits from both Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns before finding stability in Morocco. While the Belgian tactician admitted “he’s playing well now,” he emphasized that a few good months in North Africa cannot outweigh years of commitment from the current Bafana core.
