South Africans are still in awe of Wydad Athletic players Thembinkosi Lorch and Cassius Mailula’s outstanding performance against Manchester City, a football powerhouse in the world, on Wednesday night at the 2025 Fifa Club World Cup, which is currently being held in the US.
The two South Africans were not perturbed by facing some of the world’s superstars, such as Phil Foden, Jeremy Doku, Rodri, Erling Haaland, and Tijini Reijnders, to name but a few.
Even though City is led by Pep Guardiola, who is arguably the best coach in the world, the two former Mamelodi Sundowns players showed no signs of nervousness or jitters; in fact, it was unfortunate that they did not score.
Brought to Wydad by Mokwena
Former Wydad coach Rulani Mokwena, who was regrettably forced to leave the team at the end of the previous season, brought the two to Wydad in Casablanca, Morocco.
Mokwena’s dream of coaching at the Club World Cup was dashed only a few weeks before the tournament began. He coached both Orlando Pirates and Sundowns before joining Wydad.
When Mokwena brought Lorch to Wydad, the star midfielder took advantage of the opportunity to revive his career because he was having trouble at Sundowns.
Mailula, who is currently on loan at Wydad, was also not playing enough for Toronto FC in Major League Soccer in the US.
The pair made such an impression that South Africans are demanding their inclusion in Hugo Broos’ Bafana Bafana national team.
Against the elite players of City, Lorch deceived the defenders of the former Premier League and UEFA Champions League winners with his dribbling skills.
He almost scored what would have been a contender for goal of the tournament when he chipped the ball from the centre, but the goalkeeper recovered miraculously and pulled off a good save.
Downs praised for its contribution
The two players’ performances against one of the best and biggest clubs in the world have left social media buzzing. The following is what fans are posting on social media:
Said Kgopiso Nonyana: “They really did us proud. I am not a Sundowns fan, but they applied themselves well against some of City’s superstars. I can’t wait to watch them against Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.”
Kentridge Mabuya posted: “As a Sundowns supporter, I am over the moon and so excited. I really enjoyed the match, and what a wonderful display from our former players Lorch and Mailula.”
Timothy Mjomana wrote: “It is evident that our players are progressing overseas. I want to advise all the PSL [Premier Soccer League] players to be ambitious and go play abroad because we could see that the level of both Lorch and Mailula has improved tremendously.”
Elvis Mona posted: “Our players must leave the comfort zone of the Betway Premiership so that they can go and compete with the best players in the world.
“We hope that one day Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates can be part of the Club World Cup so that we can see how they will fare.”
Pio Molefe wrote: “Chiefs and Pirates supporters can say what they want to say; Sundowns has contributed immensely to the growth of SA football. Watching Lorch and Mailula made me very proud of what Sundowns are doing.
“SA football, the national teams, and all club competitions have improved because of Sundowns.”
