Davids Disappointed For Lorch After AFCON Snub

(Photo by Daniel Hlongwane/Gallo Images)

Raja Casablanca head coach Fadlu Davids has weighed in on Thembinkosi Lorch’s omission from Bafana Bafana’s Africa Cup of Nations squad, admitting he is disappointed for the player while stressing that Hugo Broos’ decision must be respected.

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Davids was speaking to SAFJA as discussions continue around Lorch’s absence from the national team squad for AFCON, which will be hosted in Morocco, where the attacker currently plies his trade with Wydad Athletic Club.

“Wydad are a team currently that are a little bit more direct in the approach. You know, they play with a six-foot-four striker, Hamza Hanouri, and slightly more direct in the approach with a lot of crosses and a lot of long ball set pieces,” Davids said.

“But with the signing of Lorch, or the re-signing of Lorch, and Aziz Ki, these are the two players that are really making Wydad a little bit more interesting to watch because he’s been absolutely amazing. Every attack, Lorch is at the centre of it, so a lot of their attacks are going through Lorch.”

Davids went on to highlight Lorch’s influence and match-winning qualities since his move to North Africa.

“We know he’s the type of player that can win a match for you with one action. He’s not only a player that can play between the lines, he’s a player that uses the space behind the defensive line as well, so he gives their team so much in terms of creativity and flair, and what they’re probably lacking in their approach or their playing style at the moment. He’s been absolutely amazing.”

“At the same time, I respect the coach’s decision. We’re all speaking about Lorch and AFCON and yes, he’s up there with the best in South Africa, but the coach has his style, he has this clear way of playing and he decides who comes in and we have to support Hugo Broos.”

Davids admitted that the omission is a difficult one to take from a player’s perspective, especially given Lorch’s performances outside the country.

“I’m disappointed for Lorch because as a player, when you are performing the way you do outside the country, maybe it’s not appreciated as much as when you’re doing it for Sundowns, Pirates or Chiefs, where everybody sees it on a weekly basis.”

“I read his comments as well, I saw his video where he spoke about Lorch and we have to respect him. We have to support him and we have to get behind the national team with the attacking players that are in the picture that the coach selects.”

“The talent in South Africa at the moment, especially in the wingers and number 10 position, is unbelievable. The coach has a lot to choose from, a lot of firepower in the attack in the upcoming AFCON.”

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