Thembinkosi Lorch told to remain at Wydad AC because 'the relationship with Mamelodi Sundowns is broken' - 'If he comes back, I think it will be the same problems'

Former Bafana Bafana striker Katlego Mphela has told Thembinkosi Lorch not to consider a return to Premier Soccer League giants Mamelodi Sundowns.

Mphela pointed out Lorch's performance and trust from Wydad's head coach as reasons that should convince the former Orlando Pirates forward to stay with the Moroccan outfit.

"Coach Rulani [Mokwena] believed in him so much by bringing him to Sundowns, [but] it didn't work out, and he went to Morocco. You can see that the boy is very talented. You saw this in the last two games at the Club World Cup. [In] the first match, he gave Manchester City problems, [and in] the second one, he also did well and even scored," Mphela told Sowetan Live.

"Even the coach [Amine Benhachem] that came in now, you can see he believes in him, alongside [countryman] Cassius Mailula. For him to be in a foreign country and do this well, it shows the character and the ability," he added.

"I think the big thing has been the environment and lifestyle, and he is focused on that side. For me, if Wydad wants him to stay, he needs to stay there because I think the relationship between him and Sundowns has broken. If he comes back, I think it will be the same problems."

Mphela also stated that it is time that Lorch is given a Bafana Bafana call-up because of his form and consistency.

"I think we all know he is a talented boy, and he has been showing the ability he has. The problem, I think, may be that there was too much distraction in his personal life and other things," Mphela continued.

"He deserves to be called up for Bafana Bafana because he has been in form for the whole season. He has been consistent; it is not only at the Club World Cup, because I have been following the news, and he has been performing. The whole season has been winning Player of the Month [awards] at Wydad," he explained.

Lorch, who is serving Wydad on loan from Masandawana, has revived his career in North Africa.

The 31-year-old has been an outstanding player for the Moroccan giants at the Club World Cup. He caused Manchester City problems in their opening game before another lively performance—and a goal—in the 4-1 defeat to Juventus.

Currently, his focus is on the remaining Club World Cup game against Al Ain on Thursday.

Thereafter, it will be known whether Wydad will express interest in keeping the forward or he will return to Masandawana.

Given how he has performed for the Moroccan giants, Mzansi fans will follow keenly to see whether Hugo Broos will call him up for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in September and October.

Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals, in which Bafana are participants, will then follow as they will be played in December 2025 and January 2026.