After two seasons with the Moroccan giants, the 32-year-old attacker has moved to a new club. The ex-Bucs star was signed by Rhulani Mokwena, whose stint with the former CAF Champions League winners was turbulent, and the tactician left after a season. After Mokwena and Cassius Mailula's departure, Lorch has also left, leaving Wydad with no South African talent.
The 44‑year‑old coach took charge of Raja in September and has since collected 15 points from seven Botola Pro matches, lifting the club into fourth place. With Raja sitting five points behind leaders Wydad Athletic Club but holding a game in hand, Davids now turns his focus to the January window to strengthen his squad.
The former Bucs star has delivered once more for the North African giants, who are fighting to win the league again after struggling under Rhulani Mokwena last season. However, the heavyweights are facing a challenge this early from FAR Rabat as the season gathers momentum. Although Lorch has been in good form, he has not been appreciated at home, as the national team head coach keeps ignoring him.
The two Moroccan heavyweights played against each other on Wednesday night at the Mohammed V Stadium in the top tier. Either side could have gone top of the table with maximum points, but chances went begging with both teams failing to get the ball in the back of the net.
The ongoing exclusion of 'Nyoso' from the South African national team has divided opinion. Many are arguing that the talented winger deserves a place in the squad after his performances for Wydad Casablanca at the FIFA Club World Cup, Caf Confederation Cup and the Botola Pro have earned the praise of fans, coaches and teammates.
South Africa have begun preparations for December's Africa Cup of Nations finals to be hosted by Morocco. They will face their COSAFA rivals during the November FIFA break as the Belgian coach tries to come up with a list of players he will take to Africa's flagship football competition.
The former Simba SC tactician has had a rather good start to his reign with the Moroccan outfit. Davids left the Tanzanian heavyweights for a return to North Africa, where he hopes to enjoy some success.
Hakim Ziyech has completed a stunning return to Moroccan football, joining Wydad Casablanca on a free transfer after being linked with a move to La Liga side Sevilla last month. The 32-year-old, who famously helped Chelsea lift the Champions League in 2021, now returns to his homeland for the first time in his club career.
The former Orlando Pirates attacker maintained his good form in Accra, where the Red Castle took on the Porcupine Warriors. The man nicknamed Nyoso played an integral role in helping the North African giants overcome the 26-time Ghanaian champions.
The former Buccaneers coach was in his second game in charge of the Green Eagles and failed to guide his team to collecting maximum points at home. Coaching a demanding club with fans who are not patient with coaches or underperforming players, the South African will have to record a win in their next match.
Two goals scored in either half saw Davids' side register a crucial victory, which means his second stint with the Moroccan side has started in a way he would have preferred. Apart from winning, Raja managed to keep a clean sheet under the new regime led by the South African.
The South African tactician has made his return to Morocco, reuniting with the club where he once served as assistant coach. During his previous stint, Davids partnered with fellow ex-Buccaneers mentor Josef Zinnbauer and together they masterminded a memorable double in the 2023/24 season, securing both the prestigious Botola Pro league crown and the coveted Throne Cup.
Local coaches continue to get big jobs in foreign lands, providing the country with a deep pool of experienced trainers, something that could benefit Bafana Bafana in future. Morocco has now become a place where South African tacticians are trusted.
