For weeks, Bafana Bafana fans have been debating a hot question: how is Thembinkosi Lorch still outside the national team while playing some of his best football in years?
Lorch has rediscovered his spark at Wydad Athletic Club, smashing in five goals in just nine matches and earning glowing praise in Morocco. But for Bafana coach Hugo Broos, that form hasn’t been enough. The Belgian has made it clear he isn’t considering the 31-year-old attacker right now, which left supporters puzzled ahead of Saturday’s friendly against Zambia at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
One man who doesn’t agree is Rhulani Mokwena, the respected South African tactician now leading MC Alger. And in true Rhulani fashion, he didn’t shy away from giving an honest, layered view of Lorch’s situation.
Why Mokwena Believes Lorch Deserves Another Look
Speaking to the media, Mokwena said Lorch has the talent to help Bafana Bafana. He didn’t dismiss Broos’ authority, though. Instead, he argued that the national coach has earned the right to make controversial calls after leading South Africa back to continental relevance.
“I think in this moment, we’ve got a head coach in Hugo Broos who is doing a very good job,” Mokwena said. “There’s a strong sense of trust between him and the players. That’s very important at this level.”
But for all that praise, he still feels Lorch is capable of changing Broos’ mind. And to explain why, he pointed to a powerful example.
The Mshishi Blueprint: How Themba Zwane Fought His Way Back
Mokwena reminded everyone that Themba Zwane was once in the exact same position — talented, consistent, and yet overlooked by Broos. It took Zwane a relentless run of performances to force a rethink.
“I remember saying to Mshishi, ‘You’ve got to be so good that it’s difficult to ignore you.’ And that’s exactly what he did,” Mokwena recalled.
Eventually, Broos publicly admitted he may have been wrong about Zwane, a rare moment of humility that earned him respect from players and fans alike. That is the door Mokwena believes Lorch can walk through, but only if he keeps performing at an elite level.
At Wydad, Mokwena says he’s already hearing good things about Lorch’s discipline, professionalism, and leadership in the dressing room. If that continues, the coach is convinced “there are a lot of possibilities” for his national team return.
Social Media Reaction: Why South African Football Fans Are Split Over Broos’ Decision
The conversation hasn’t just been happening in press rooms. On social media, opinions are loud and divided.
Some fans insist Broos is being stubborn:
“Lorch is cooking in Morocco. How is he not even in the squad?” one user posted.
Others back the coach’s authority:
“Broos has earned the right to pick his team. Let Lorch prove himself like Mshishi did.”
A third group blames past inconsistencies:
“Lorch is talented, but he must show stability. Broos wants players who deliver every match.”
What’s clear is that Lorch remains one of the most mercurial footballers South Africa has produced in the past decade, and supporters still believe he has one more chapter to write.
What Realistically Comes Next For Lorch
It’s unlikely Lorch will crack the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations squad, considering Broos has already settled on his attacking combinations. But 2026 is a different story. With the expanded World Cup on the horizon and South Africa trying to qualify for the tournament hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, there will be room for late bloomers and returnees.
And if Lorch continues his current form? His standout performances in the 2025 Club World Cup prove he can still deliver at the highest level. Broos has already shown he can change his mind when a player becomes impossible to ignore.
Right now, the ball is firmly in Lorch’s court, and if he follows the Zwane path, Bafana’s door may yet swing open again.
Read More: “For Me Friendlies do Not Exist” – Hugo Broos
For More Analysis and Predictions Follow: Africapicks
Source: Goal.com
Featured Image Source: Thee Sports Guy on X
