Despite Wydad Athletic Club’s 2-0 loss to Manchester City at the FIFA Club World Cup on Wednesday night, Thembinkosi Lorch walked away with his head held high, and with a glowing endorsement from one of his key mentors.
Coach Morena Ramoreboli, who has long been a guiding figure in Lorch’s career, praised the midfielder’s performance in the high-profile encounter in the United States.
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Though facing the Premier League giants was always going to be a daunting task, Lorch proved himself more than capable of rising to the occasion.
The Bafana Bafana attacker delivered a composed and intelligent performance in the heart of the midfield.
His vision, work rate, and ball control stood out even as Wydad battled against Pep Guardiola’s relentless City side.
It was a display that earned him not just applause from fans, but also recognition from those who have watched his journey closely.
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In an exclusive Soccer Laduma video message recorded shortly after the match, Ramoreboli acknowledged Lorch’s growth and maturity on the pitch, applauding his ability to remain calm and influential under pressure.
The coach stopped short of revealing all his sentiments publicly, but his pride in Lorch’s development was unmistakable.
Lorch’s presence at the Club World Cup and his performance against one of the world’s elite sides indicate his continued rise in global football.
While Wydad may have lost the match, the 31-year-old Ficksburg-born player’s showing suggests his story on the international stage is far from over.
Watch Coach Ramoreboli’s full comments in the video below.
Photo by Ricky Fitchett/Zuma Press Wire/Shutterstock
@soccer_laduma Coach Morena Ramoreboli reacts to #ThembinkosiLorch masterclass vs Man City!
