Sundowns star Lorch heads to Wydad on loan deal
Mamelodi Sundowns star Thembinkosi Lorch is close to joining Wydad Athletic Club on a five-month loan deal with an option to extend.
The agreement between the two clubs has been finalised, and only the signing of contract documents and routine medicals remain.
Lorch is expected to arrive in Casablanca on Friday to complete the formalities and undergo his unveiling. This move will see Lorch reunite with his former coach, Rulani Mokwena, who is now at the helm of Wydad.
The former Orlando Pirates and Sundowns coach joined the Casablanca giants at the start of the season following his exit from the Brazilians.
Mokwena is the man who brought the talented attacker to Sundowns in January 2024. He showed great faith in Lorch, having utilised him in 24 games last season, during which Lorch scored 11 goals and provided four assists.
However, following his departure, Lorch has found the going tough at the club, only making six appearances this season. The loan deal presents Lorch with the opportunity to play in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup under Mokwena’s guidance.
COULD LORCH HELP WYDAD CHALLENGE FOR THE TITLE?
With 11 games before the curtain comes down on the Botola Pro League, Wydad are just 10 points behind log leaders RS Berkane.
The Red Castle last won the Botola title in the 2021/22 season. Last season, they experienced a significant setback, failing to qualify for any of the CAF interclub competitions.
Currently, third, they will still fancy their chances of causing a late upset. Among others, they have signed top goalkeeper El Mehdi Benabid. The former AS FAR Rabat star is arguably the best goalie in Morocco’s domestic league and is part of the national team.
The arrival of Lorch should bolster the club’s attack for the final 11 games of the season. Besides his creativity in the final third, Lorch has a knack for scoring important goals.
At Wydad, he joins fellow South African striker Cassius Mailula, who is currently on loan from MLS side Toronto FC.
He becomes the latest footballer to join the growing list of South Africans in North Africa. Khanyisa Mayo plays his football for CR Belouizdad in Algeria, while Elias Mokwana plays for Esperance in Tunisia.
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