Thembinkosi Lorch may have faced European giants Manchester City on the pitch, but off it, it was his bond with coach Rulani Mokwena that stole the spotlight after Wydad’s 2-0 defeat in the FIFA Club World Cup opener.
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Speaking to FIFA TV, Lorch opened up about the man who has impacted much of his senior professional journey, coach Rulani Mokwena.
"I've worked with coach Rulani from even before Sundowns. I used to play for Pirates and then he called me at Pirates. Then when he went to Sundowns, he fetched me from Pirates to Sundowns,” Lorch said.
“So I think for me, he's like a brother, a father figure, a friend. Because every time when I have problems, I go to him and he gives me advice. So, I think he made it easier for me to fit well in the team.”
Having moved from the familiar environment of the PSL to Morocco’s Botola Pro, Lorch admits the transition was not easy, but he is managing well thanks to the support around him.
“I think it's not easy coming from South Africa to Morocco. In South Africa, everyone knows me. When I came here, no one knew me. So I had to adjust,” he continued.
“I think my teammates and the coaches welcomed me well into the team, and even the supporters. I think I’m fitting well.”
Lorch will be hoping to continue making his mark in the tournament as Wydad look to bounce back in their remaining group fixtures.
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