Thembinkosi Lorch lauded by ex-Bafana Bafana stars despite Wydad Casablanca's Club World Cup loss against Manchester City - 'I was disappointed when they took him off'

On-loan Mamelodi Sundowns attacker Thembinkosi Lorch made his maiden Club World Cup appearance on Wednesday night.

'Nyoso' - as he is commonly referred to - made an impact despite his team's 2-0 loss against Manchester City in Group G assignment.

He was subbed in the 84th minute but had already made an impression, as explained by former Bafana Bafana stars Shaun Bartlett and Bongani Khumalo.

“[Lorch] had quite a productive day on the field. I was quite disappointed when they took him off, obviously managing him as a player,” he told SuperSport TV.

“But I think overall he tried his best, he was all over the pitch, being influential, taking shots from long range and even setting up Cassius [Mailula] in the first half," Bartlett continued.

“I think it was just that final product that never came for Wydad," he concluded.

Khumalo argued it was vital for Lorch to be reserved ahead of another tough assignment against Juventus.

“Wonderful start from him, he truly is an important player for Wydad. If he stays fit, I think his coach is saving his legs for the next fixture for him to go for it.

“City were in the lead, the game sort of died out, so save his legs, keep 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," Khumalo concluded.

Juventus beat Al Ain 5-0 to go top of the group on goal difference, explaining why Wydad need to be on top of their game on Sunday.

Cassius Mailula, who was subbed after the first half, needs to step up as well for the Botola Pro League outfit.

The Club World Cup might have a massive impact on the players' futures at the club.

Bafana Bafana are preparing for the resumption of the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers scheduled for September, and the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations later in the year.

If Lorch and Mailula deliver at the Club World Cup, coach Hugo Broos might consider them.