Move over, Phil Foden. Step aside, Jeremy Doku. The true box office attraction under the Philadelphia lights was none other than Thembinkosi Lorch. The Wydad Athletic Club magician wasn’t intimidated by Manchester City’s galactic payroll or Pep Guardiola’s tactical wizardry—he practically waltzed through their midfield like it was traffic-free on a Monday morning.
While City secured the three points, it was Lorch who won hearts—especially back home in South Africa, where Twitter timelines exploded faster than Ederson scrambling after that near half-line screamer. Yes, you read that right—Lorch tried a David Beckham tribute act from his own half. And he almost pulled it off.
Lorch vs. City: When Swagger Met Steel
City brought their stars. Wydad brought Lorch—and that was almost enough. From slaloming past Tijjani Reijnders like a man avoiding potholes on the N1 to setting up Cassius Mailula with a peach of a chance, Lorch was the gravitational center of Wydad’s attack.
Even Bafana Bafana greats Shaun Bartlett and Bongani Khumalo couldn’t hold back. Bartlett, a man not known for hyperbole, called Lorch “all over the pitch,” while Khumalo practically suggested bubble-wrapping him for Wydad’s next fixtures against Juventus and Al Ain.
Lorch’s Exit Strategy: Save the Legs, Win the War
Of course, Wydad’s coach decided to sub him off, a move met with collective groans across Mzansi. But as Khumalo wisely pointed out, it’s tournament football. You don’t burn your Ferrari’s fuel tank in the first lap. With two titanic clashes ahead, keeping Lorch fresh could be the masterstroke.
Why He Is the People’s Champion
Sure, Manchester City won. However, Lorch ensured that Wydad exited the field with their heads still high and reputation boosted. He was telling every fan, pundit and perhaps even Pep that flair and fearlessness still count in football.
The next time you come across the name of Thembinkosi, then just smile and give a knowing look. You’ve seen the show. And oh, what a show it was.
As featured on ManCityNews.com
