Thembinkosi Christopher Lorch of Wydad Ac during the CAF Confederation Cup 2025/26 match between Wydad and Nairobi United at Larb Zouli Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco on 23 November 2025 ©Nour Aknajja/BackpagePix
Tuesday Feb 03, 2026. 15:00
Thembinkosi Lorch has written an emotional farewell message to the staff, supporters and players at Wydad AC following his departure.
The 32-year-old completed a move from the Moroccan club to Libyan side Al-Ittihad SC in the last week of January, joining for a reported fee of $1.5 million.
The nine-time capped Bafana Bafana international joined Wydad from Mamelodi Sundowns, following manager Rulani Mokwena from the South African giants. He originally joined on loan before completing a permanent transfer in August.
He shone for the Moroccan outfit at the FIFA Club World Cup in the USA in June, impressing against Manchester City.
Lorch made 18 appearances for Wydad in the Botola Pro 1 league, bagging six gals and one assist.
The player posted a message to the club and wider Wydad family on Instagram on Monday.
“As I prepare to move on to the next chapter of my journey, I would like to take this moment to sincerely thank the club for the opportunity, support, and memories we have shared,” wrote Lorch.
“Being part of Wydad has been an honour and a privilege. I am grateful to the President, management, technical team, staff, and my teammates for the trust, guidance, and encouragement throughout my time at the club. The experiences, lessons, and friendships I have gained here will stay with me for the rest of my career and life.
“Thank you to the supporters for your unwavering passion and belief. Your energy and loyalty made every matchday special and motivated us to always give our best.
“I leave with nothing but respect and appreciation for the club, and I wish WYDAD continued success in the seasons ahead. This will always feel like home, and I hope our paths cross again in the future,” he wrote.
Al-Ittihad SC are atop group two of the Libyan Premier League with a perfect six wins from six games to start the season.
By Nic Gleeson