Lorch: I Will Carry Wydad Even After I Retire

Thembinkosi Lorch was visibly emotional after playing his final match for Wydad Casablanca, saying that not “everyone gets the opportunity to play for a big club” and that he will carry Wydad with him wherever he goes.

Lorch made his last appearance for the Moroccan giants as they edged Maniema of the DR Congo 1-0 in a CAF Confederation Cup Group B match in Kinshasa on Sunday.

The former Mamelodi Sundowns star has been sold by Wydad in a big-money move to Libyan side Al Ittihad. The former PSL Footballer of the Season is understood to have signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with the club.

Lorch, who joined Wydad on a permanent deal from Sundowns at the start of the season, is reportedly set to earn over R1 million per month at Al Ittihad.

He left Wydad on a high, playing a key role in the winning goal against Maniema. His initial cross was finished from close range by Mohamed Moufid in the 81st minute.

The victory saw Wydad cement top spot in Group B with nine points from three matches, having yet to concede a goal in the competition.

“Thank you to the club for bringing me here, the technical team, the coach, and my team-mates for welcoming me so well,” Lorch told beIN Sports.

“I wish them all the best.”

Lorch, who shared the pitch with former Chelsea and Ajax Amsterdam star Hakim Ziyech, felt the scoreline could have been more convincing, but praised Maniema goalkeeper Detan Ogundare for an outstanding performance.

Nordin Amrabat struck the post with a powerful effort in the first half, while another shot was clawed away by Ogundare before it crossed the line.

“When it comes to the game, I think we played well, especially in the second half,” said Lorch.

“We had to dig deep to get the three points. I think their goalkeeper was the man of the match — we should have scored at least three goals.

“But we’re happy that we got the three points.”

Reflecting on his final appearance for Wydad, Lorch spoke fondly of the club.

“As I said, I would like to thank this team for giving me the opportunity to play,” he added with a chuckle.

“Not everyone gets the chance to play for a big team like Wydad. I will carry them with me until I retire. I wish the team good luck.”

Lorch, who was sold by Orlando Pirates to Sundowns midway through the 2023/24 season before joining Wydad on loan in January last year, featured in 28 matches across all competitions, scoring eight goals and registering four assists.