OFFICIAL: Thembinkosi Lorch pens permanent Wydad deal

Thembinkosi Lorch with Wydad Casablanca

Following weeks of speculation, former Mamelodi Sundowns star Thembinkosi Lorch has officially completed a permanent move to Moroccan powerhouse Wydad Casablanca.

The highly-rated winger has put all rumours to rest after reportedly penning a two-year deal with Wydad ahead of the new 2025/26 season in the North African country. Lorch spent the second round of the previous campaign on loan with the Moroccan giants after signing during the 2025 January transfer window from Sundowns.

The Bafana Bafana international joined the Red Castle under the then-head coach Rulani Mokwena, who also brought him to Sundowns in January 2024 from Orlando Pirates.

Lorch arrived at Wydad in a bid to bring his career back on track after failing to break into the star-studded starting line-up at Sundowns. The skilful attacker made a huge impression at Wydad after displaying impressive abilities to eliminate defenders and score goals.

Lorch was one of the outstanding players for Wydad at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. The 32-year-old produced a top performance against English Premier League giants Manchester City and scored against Juventus FC.

WYDAD AC ANNOUNCE THE SIGNING OF LORCH

Thembinkosi Lorch at Wydad Casablanca
Thembinkosi Lorch. Picture courtesy of Thembinkosi Lorch/Instagram

After proving his worth in the Club World Cup, Lorch was reportedly on the radar of several teams. Wydad moved swiftly to lure Lorch to North Africa. โ€˜Nyosoโ€™ was unveiled on Friday night after the two clubs agreed on a permanent transfer.

Lorch is joining a long list of players who have gone out the exit door at the Tshwane giants in the current transfer window.

The former Maluti FET College star left Sundowns alongside Neo Mema, Rivaldo Coetzee, Sipho Mbule, Thabang Sibanyoni, Rushine De Reuck, Sifiso Ngobeni, Lebohang Maboe, Sanele Tshabalala, Matias Esquivel, and Lucas Suarez.

Meanwhile, Sundowns could lose more first-team players, as Khuliso Mudau and Lucas Ribeiro Costa both face uncertain futures at the club. The duo is yet to feature for Masandawana this season as they look to complete moves away from the club.

RELATED STORY:ย Sundowns make decision on Lorch’s future amid North Africa interest