Thembinkosi Lorch Seals Move to Wydad Casablanca After Sundowns Exit

Bafana Bafana playmaker Thembinkosi Lorch is officially leaving Mamelodi Sundowns, heading back to Morocco to join Wydad Casablanca on a permanent deal. The transfer, confirmed by SABC Sport, ends weeks of speculation after his eye-catching loan spell with the Moroccan giants earlier this year.

Lorch, 32, first linked up with Wydad in January, immediately winning over fans with his creativity and big-game performances in the Botola Pro League. His time in Morocco included a memorable run at the FIFA Club World Cup in the USA, where he faced Manchester City, Juventus and Al Ain, scoring one of Wydad’s goals in the tournament. Supporters affectionately dubbed him “The Magician” for his flair and vision on the pitch.

The move back to North Africa was always on the cards, but the buyout negotiations took longer than expected. Wydad were determined to secure him permanently, especially after he became a key figure in their attack. This will be his second stint in Casablanca after joining Sundowns from Orlando Pirates in January 2024 and reuniting with then-coach Rulani Mokwena, who later brought him to Wydad on loan. Even after Mokwena’s departure from the Moroccan club, Lorch’s popularity never faded.

His agent, Steve Kapeluschnik, confirmed the transfer was “imminent” but wouldn’t officially reveal the destination, leaving that to the clubs. “Yes, it is true that there is an imminent move for Lorch to start another chapter in his career. But given the confidentiality of these matters, I cannot reveal where he is going.”

Reaction on social media has been swift. South African fans have been divided, with Sundowns supporters praising his talent but lamenting his short stay at Chloorkop. “We barely got to see him in the yellow jersey, but he left memories,” one fan posted on X. Another added, “Morocco, you’re getting a real baller. Treat him well.” In Morocco, Wydad fans flooded Instagram with welcome-back posts, with one supporter writing, “Casablanca is ready for your magic again, Lorch” alongside clips of his goals from earlier this year.

For Lorch, this is more than just a transfer — it’s a return to a city and fan base where he thrived. With Wydad chasing league honours and another run in African club competitions, the South African star will once again be at the heart of the action. If his loan spell was the trailer, fans are now eager to watch the full feature.

Source:Sabc Sport 

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