Former Kaizer Chiefs and Tottenham Hotspur stars have delivered their glowing verdict on Thembinkosi Lorch’s display in the colours of Wydad Casablanca against English Premier League giants Manchester City.
The Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia may have witnessed Wydad AC fall 2-0 to Man City in their 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Group G opener on Wednesday, with goals from Phil Foden and Jeremy Doku sealing the win.
However, it was the impressive display of Lorch that captured the imagination, leaving former ex-Chiefs striker and assistant coach Shaun Bartlett as well as retired Tottenham Hotspur defender Bongani Khumalo gushing in their praise.
In the 84 minutes he spent on the pitch before being substituted, Lorch recorded a Sofascore rating of 7.8, making him the second-best player on the field, trailing only the Man of the Match Phil Foden.
His 40 touches underlined his involvement, and he completed 19 of his 27 attempted passes, boasting a 70% accuracy. Lorch, on his Club World Cup debut also demonstrated his creative prowess by delivering two key passes and creating one big chance for his fellow South African teammate, Cassius Mailula. He was not shy to take aim, with one shot on target and two off target, showcasing his attacking ambition.
Furthermore, his ability to beat players was evident in his dribbling record, completing all three of his attempted dribbles. In addition, Lorch won four out of five ground duels and emerged victorious in his sole aerial duel.
BARTLETT AND KHUMALO HAIL LORCH’S MAN CITY DISPLAY
Bartlett couldn’t hide his admiration. “Lorch definitely had quite a productive day on the field. I was quite disappointed, they took him off, obviously managing him as a player,” said Bartlett on SuperSport TV.
“But I think overall he tried his best. He was all over the field, being influential by taking shots from long range and then even setting up Cassius in the first-half. But I think it was just that final third and product that never came for Wydad.”
Khumalo echoed Bartlett’s sentiments. Yes truly, unfortunately, opportunities were missed, taking shots from range but he was taken off,” added Khumalo. “Wonderful start from him though. He is an important player for Wydad,” Khumalo added.
“If he stays fit, I think his coach [Mohamed Amine Benhachem] was saving his legs for the next game. Man City were in the lead and the game sort of died out. So the coach was 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.”
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