Botswana international Tumisang Orebonye, a former teammate of striker Thembinkosi Lorch, has revealed why North Africa should be a dream destination for budding Southern African footballers.
Orebonye and Lorch were teammates at Moroccan club Wydad AC in 2025. The 30-year-old is currently on the books of Libyan Premier League side Al-Shomooa SC, along with former Kaizer Chiefs defender Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, who is on loan from Al-Ittihad SC. Ditlhokwe’s loan spell ends on 30 June.
In particular, Lorch is thriving in North Africa after switching from Mamelodi Sundowns to Wydad AC of Morocco. He went on to make a lasting impression at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in Wydad colours, notably scoring against Juventus in a 4-1 loss.
He is now at Al-Ittihad SC under Rulani Mokwena. Fagrie Lakay has also found a stable home in Egypt, at Ceramica Cleopatra FC, following another decent stint at Pyramids FC.
Previously, Percy Tau paved the way in Egypt during his four-year stay at Al Ahly. Tau was impactful at Al Ahly, helping them win multiple domestic and continental titles, notably two CAF Champions League titles [2022/23, 2023/24] and two Egyptian Premier League titles. He also secured two Egyptian Cups and four Egyptian Super Cups, as well as a CAF Super Cup and two bronze medals at the FIFA Club World Cup.
NORTH AFRICA IS AN OPEN FOOTBALL MARKET FOR READY STARS, SAYS OREBONYE
And Orebonye, who made history as the first Botswana player to win a CAF title, as he was part of the USM Alger side that won the 2022/23 CAF Confederation Cup, emphasises the difference in lifestyle and football mentality between Southern and North Africa.
Orebonye highlighted that the contrasting football cultures—both on and off the pitch—between South Africa and North Africa might make it difficult for South African players to adjust. However, several players have still managed successful stints in the region.
South African players who have played in North Africa include Cassius Mailula, Phakamani Mahlambi, Elias Mokwana, Khanyisa Mayo, and Thembinkosi Lorch.
The 30-year-old told FARPost in an interview that North African countries offer better pay, fewer distractions, and a more professional environment. For him, this makes it an attractive destination where Southern African players should not hesitate to move if offers come along.
When you move to North Africa, you won’t be trying your luck. If you’re a quality, well-developed player, you just go in and do your thing. It’s not a matter of trying. Look at Lorch, for example,” Orebonye told FARPost. “You have to come and make a statement that you’re a quality player who deserves to be there. Then you cement your place in the team, and that’s it.
“This is a rich and open market for talent from the Southern Region—I’ve seen it and I’m currently living it. In terms of pay, obviously, these countries often pay in dollars. And we know the dollar has the upper hand against the rand or pula. So, naturally, we get better pay than in the Southern African region.”
THERE ARE NO DISTRACTIONS IN NORTH AFRICA, SAYS OREBONYE
Orebonye also highlighted the contrasts between Southern Africa’s lifestyle and that of North Africa, noting fewer distractions and football grounded in discipline.
Orebonye added: “The kind of lifestyle here is different from that in South Africa, Botswana, or Zimbabwe. You know the mentality of Southern Africans. Here, it’s work, home, training, and it goes on and on.
“That’s your focus. There’s no other distraction that comes. So, you just focus on football. Do your thing. Go back home. Do training. You know, you have a lot of time to even do extra sessions.
“Whereas in Southern Africa, you know, we can go to training and then, you know, hang out with my friends, but here it’s different. The environment is different and suitable for one who has ambition. You have to be disciplined. You have to work hard.”
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