Mokwena backs Lorch to change Broos’ mind

Former Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates head coach, Rhulani Mokwena, has urged Thembinkosi Lorch to draw inspiration from Themba Zwane as he continues to be overlooked by Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos, despite his impressive form for Wydad Casablanca.

Lorch has scored five goals in nine matches for the Moroccan club, prompting questions over his continued exclusion from recent national team selections.

Mokwena, who previously coached Lorch at Pirates, advised the attacker to remain focused and patient, citing Zwane’s journey as an example.

Zwane was initially left out of Broos’ squads early in his tenure, with the coach suggesting he was “too old” for international duty — but the veteran midfielder later forced his way back into the team and has since become a key figure for Bafana.

Speaking to the South African Football Journalists Association on Wednesday, Mokwena said Lorch should take motivation from Zwane’s perseverance during a similar period of exclusion.

“For Lorch, he just needs to look at Themba Zwane as a source of inspiration. Themba Zwane was in the same position,” Mokwena said.

“I remember saying to ‘Mshishi’ that; ‘you have to be so good that it’s difficult to ignore you’. And that’s exactly what he did. Zwane was so good that even though the coach [Broos] at the time didn’t want him for reasons that we have to respect, and also to the credit of Hugo Broos, he mentioned that it was one of the things he got wrong.

“That means if he can rescind his opinion on Themba Zwane, I’m sure if Lorch continues this way [he will get a call up], I’m hearing good things about him from the Wydad president about his conduct, professionalism, and his performances,” Mokwena added.

Written by: Ntsako Mukhari