Former Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Brian Baloyi has lifted the lid on why Thembinkosi Lorch continues to be frozen out of the national team setup.
Lorch’s absence has been a recurring talking point, particularly given his strong club form this season. However, national team coach Hugo Broos has repeatedly insisted that the attacking midfielder does not fit into his plans, citing concerns around age, overall contribution, and previous impressions.
Broos has also referenced Lorch’s career trajectory — including his departure from Orlando Pirates and an underwhelming stint at Mamelodi Sundowns — as justification for his continued omission, despite the player producing eye-catching numbers in North Africa with Wydad AC.
Baloyi reveals a different angle
Baloyi, however, claims the real reason lies away from the pitch.
Speaking on SoccerBeat, the Chiefs legend said he had gathered information from individuals close to the national team environment suggesting Lorch’s exclusion has little to do with footballing ability.
“I spoke to a couple of people — people within the national team setup,” Baloyi explained. “What I heard is that it’s mainly off-the-pitch issues that made the coach not select him, though not anything happening in camp itself.”
According to Baloyi, concerns were raised about Lorch’s personality during a previous camp, with decision-makers allegedly feeling his outspoken nature created tension.
“I heard that from the last camp, including people from South African Football Association, that he was outspoken. They felt he was divisive in some way. It’s unfortunate because it’s not about what he does on the field,” he added.
Limited chances under Broos
Lorch has only featured once under Broos, playing 61 minutes in a 2–1 AFCON qualifying defeat to Morocco in June 2022. Since then, the door to Bafana Bafana has remained firmly shut — a situation Baloyi believes is rooted more in dynamics and perception than performance.
As the debate rumbles on, Lorch’s international future remains uncertain, despite continued calls for his recall based on form alone.