MC Alger coach Rhulani Mokwena has backed Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos’ decision to leave Thembinkosi Lorch out of the upcoming Zambia friendly and the 2025/26 AFCON.
Mokwena believes Lorch can still work his way back into the national team setup by maintaining his compsure and professionalism on the pitch, much like Sundown’s Themba Zwane after initially being overlooked by broos.
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MC Alger head coach Rulani Mokwena says Hugo Broos has demonstrated sufficient success with Bafana Bafana to be trusted in his team selections and that Thembinkosi Lorch must continue proving his worth through consistent performances.
Lorch, has been in fine form for Wydad Athletic Club this season, contributing five goals and four assists across all competitions. Despite this, Broos recently indicated that the winger is unlikely to feature in his plans for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations due to his age.
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Mokwena praised Broos’ leadership and defended his right to make decisive selection calls, even if they invite debate. “I think at this moment, we have a head coach in Hugo Broos who is doing a very good job,” Mokwena said.
“He’s built a strong rapport with his players, and that trust is vital at international level. Even if some of us may not always agree with his decisions, his record speaks for itself, and he deserves the credit and space to lead in the direction he believes is best.”
“For Lorch, I think he can look at Themba Zwane as inspiration,” Mokwena said. “I told Themba once that he needed to be so good that it became impossible to ignore him — and that’s exactly what he did. Eventually, Broos recognised that and gave him another chance.”
“If he [Lorch] maintains this standard — his attitude, his performance, his discipline — I believe he has a strong chance of returning to the national team,” he concluded.
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