Raja Casablanca coach Fadlu Davids backs Thembinkosi Lorch to make South Africa’s AFCON squad

Head coach of Raja Casablanca Fadlu Davids has called for the inclusion of Wydad AC star Thembinkosi Lorch in the Bafana Bafana squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament.

The much-anticipated tournament has been scheduled to take place between December 2025 and January 2025 in Morocco.

Despite being on top form, the forward, who plies his trade in the Moroccan top-flight has struggled to earn a call up from Hugo Broos.

However, Davids, who previously worked with Lorch at Orlando Pirates has advocated for his inclusion in the Bafana Bafana squad ahead of the AFCON.

“Look, I can’t really comment on what Ziyech is gonna bring, it’s Wydad’s to solve how they fit him into the team,” said Davids to Soccer Laduma.

“But a player like Lorch is a top player, he’s one of South Africa’s best, of course I worked with him at Pirates before and I know that he’s a player for the big occasions.”

“He’s a player on the top level of South African football and I’m sure he can still make a big addition (to Bafana Bafana squad) if given a chance at this season’s AFCON,” Davids said.

While the former Chippa United and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder continues to display quality displays for Wydad, his absence is concerning.

Meanwhile, Davids has rallied support for the South Africa coach Hugo Broos as he aim to build a formidable side for the tournament.

“No, we have to trust the coach, we have to back the coach to make his decision and trust that he knows what he needs to be successful at AFCON,” he said.