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Thembinkosi Lorch: The unsung hero of the FIFA Club World Cup, celebrated by Amapiano Royalty

Samuel Appiah — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 07:57:13 +0000

While Wydad AC exited the FIFA Club World Cup this week, one name has resonated across the global football stage: Thembinkosi Lorch.

The South African maestro’s electrifying performances for the Moroccan giants have captivated audiences, culminating in a spectacular goal against Italian powerhouse Juventus.

Lorch’s undeniable impact, despite his team’s early departure, has been witnessed around the globe.

Two men in particular who have watched him closely are South African musicians DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small.

The two have special interest in Lorch, having released the song “Lorch” in 2019, which is a song that pays tribute to the footballer.

This week, Showmax Premier League caught up with the musicians to chat about Lorch’s rise in the football world and how he has taken the international stage by storm.

Amapiano pioneers DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small, better known as the Scorpion Kings, have reflected on the inspiration behind their chart-topping tribute “Lorch” and the footballers current brilliance.

When asked about the reasoning behind the song “Lorch” in 2019, DJ Maphorisa revealed, “When we made Lorch, it was during a time when Thembinkosi was dominating South African football,’ said Maphorisa. “He was the player that everyone was talking about – whether you were a football fan or not, you knew about Lorch. His performance in the Soweto Derby where he scored against Kaizer Chiefs really stood out. But beyond just one game, it was the flair, the confidence, and the swagger he carried on the pitch. That energy is the same energy we wanted in the song – something that feels alive, exciting, and full of vibes.”

Kabza De Small added, “Lorch has always had that thing. It’s not just his skills – it’s the way he is, how he carries himself, the way he represents the youth, the hustle. He became an icon of excellence and ambition for young South Africans. Just like in music, when someone shines that bright, we must celebrate it. That’s why we did the song.”

The simplicity of the song’s title, “Lorch,” was a deliberate choice to amplify its impact. “Yeah. Just the name Lorch alone carries the association. When you hear the song, whether you’re at groove, in a taxi, or watching football, you immediately know the vibe. It was meant to be an anthem – a direct shoutout, something simple but powerful. One name, big meaning.”

Witnessing Lorch’s dazzling displays at the FIFA Club World Cup has been a source of immense pride for the musicians. When asked if they ever envisioned him reaching such heights, Kabza confidently says yes. “When someone has that much talent and dedication, it’s only a matter of time before the world catches on. We always knew Lorch was special. He’s showing the world what South Africa is made of, just like we are with our music.”

DJ Maphorisa was particularly impressed by Lorch’s composure under pressure. “Just like us on stage, the biggest platforms can either break you or bring out the best in you. Lorch looks fearless out there. It’s like he’s making the world his playground, and we love to see it.”

The global spotlight on Lorch has also brought a new dimension to their iconic track. “It’s unbelievable but great” says Kabza. “The song has definitely taken on a new meaning. Back then, it was a celebration of his local greatness – now, we can celebrate that it’s an anthem that follows him globally. It’s like the soundtrack to his journey, and it makes us proud to have been part of telling his story from early on.”

Beyond football, DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small hope their song continues to inspire young South Africans across all fields. “That’s always been the mission,” Maphorisa emphasised. Whether its football, music, fashion, or whatever your hustle – we want young people to know that if Lorch can do it, if The Scorpion Kings can do it, then you can too.

“Dream big, work hard, and stay true to yourself. The song is bigger than just football – it’s about believing in yourself.”

Looking to the future, the Scorpion Kings have high hopes for Lorch’s career. “The sky is the limit for Lorch,” says Kabza. “We’d love to see him continue breaking barriers in his journey. And definitely, we hope to see him shine in the national team jersey again.”

And just like Lorch, DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small are also taking their artistry to new heights. “Yes, we have a new show, which is something very close to our hearts,” says Maphorisa. “It’s called Scorpion Kings Live with Friends, and it’s more than just a concert – it’s a cultural moment.” We’re bringing the biggest amapiano festival to Loftus Stadium on 29 August, featuring some of the best artists locally and internationally. It’s about celebrating our story, the amapiano movement, the music, and the people who’ve supported us. It’s going to be historic – 50 000 people witnessing history as Kings Will Rise. Tickets are available from Webtickets. Amapiano to the world.”

The narrative of Thembinkosi Lorch, celebrated by the rhythm and soul of amapiano, serves as a powerful testament to South Africa’s vibrant talent, both on and off the field.

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About Showmax

Showmax, launched in 2015 and available in more than 40 markets across the continent, is a leading African streaming service. It offers a unique combination of original African content, first and exclusive international series, popular movies, premium documentaries, and the best kids’ shows, as well as a world-first Premier League live-streaming mobile plan.

Wydad edge first leg against Sundowns in historic AFL final

Samuel Appiah — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 10:01:48 +0000

Wydad Casablanca earned a 2-1 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns in the first leg of the inaugural African Football League (AFL) final in Casablanca on Sunday.

An own goal from Rivaldo Coetzee and a superb late strike by Anas Serrhat gave the Moroccan giants the advantage to take into next week’s second-leg decider.

Sundowns were punished for defensive lapses but know an early goal in the second leg could swing the tie back in their favour.

Coetzee turned an attempted clearance into his own net on 43 minutes as Montassar Lahtimi’s dangerous cross caused chaos in the Sundowns’ defence.

Sundowns fought back in the second half when Abdelmonem Boutouil converted a 74th-minute penalty after Yahya Jebran’s handball.

But Wydad swiftly restored their lead as Serrhat rifled an unstoppable long-range drive beyond Ronwen Williams.

The home side nearly extended their lead but Hamdou Elhouni’s curling injury-time effort cannoned off the crossbar.

It means Wydad will defend a 2-1 aggregate lead in front of over 40,000 fans at Sundowns’ Loftus Versfeld Stadium next Sunday.

The South Africans will take encouragement from previous wins against Al Ahly and Petro Atletico en route to the final.

But Wydad are now firmly in the driving seat to be crowned the first-ever AFL champions on Moroccan soil next week with their first-leg victory.

Wydad edge Esperance on penalties to reach AFL final

Samuel Appiah — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 10:33:39 +0000

Wydad Casablanca withstood immense late pressure to eliminate Esperance 5-4 on penalties and book their place in the African Football League final after a dramatic semi-final.

Locked at 1-1 on aggregate, the Moroccans relied on their nerve in the shootout to progress following a 1-0 win for Tunisian side Esperance after extra time.

In front of a fervent home crowd in Tunis, Esperance dominated the second leg but left it late to finally equalise when Rodrigues Silva struck with two minutes left.

The Tunisians had earlier won a string of corners as Wydad’s defence clung on amid relentless waves of pressure.

Oussema Bouguerra went close before Silva thought he had scored after firing through a crowded box, only for his effort to be disallowed for offside.

Esperance continued to force the issue in extra time with Wydad now looking ragged as the hosts sensed blood.

The stadium erupted when Silva eventually found the breakthrough, rifling in with a first-time finish to level the tie at 1-1.

Wydad survived Esperance’s second-leg onslaught thanks to epic defending and sheer willpower before winning the mental battle when it mattered most.

The Tunisian club were distraught after dominating proceedings only to fall short, punished for their lack of decisive finishing.

But Wydad demonstrated remarkable composure and grit when backed into a corner to wrestle back control and book their place in AFL history.

The Moroccans summoned remarkable composure in the shootout as Achraf Dari, Yahya Jabrane, Aymane El Hassouni, Yahya Attiat-Allah and Ayoub El Kaabi all converted.

With Rodrigues Silva and Abdelkader Bedrane missing for Esperance, Wydad prevailed 5-4 on penalties to clinch progress amid unforgettable scenes of joy.

The Moroccans will face South African club Mamelodi Sundowns in Sunday’s final after their incredible act of escapology.

The inaugural AFL trophy now tantalisingly awaits Wydad as they prepare to meet Sundowns in a mouth-watering showdown.

Bousfiane strike gives Wydad slender AFL semi advantage over Esperance

Samuel Appiah — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 11:49:30 +0000

A second-half goal from Hicham Bousfiane earned Morocco’s Wydad Casablanca a 1-0 home victory over Tunisian side Esperance in the first leg of their crunch African Football League semi-final.

Bousfiane found the breakthrough just before the hour mark at Stade Mohamed V as Wydad claimed a slender advantage to take into Wednesday’s return fixture in Tunis.

In front of a raucous sell-out crowd, Wydad started brightly but were unable to capitalise on heavy early pressure.

Esperance goalkeeper Moez Ben Cherifia made some important interventions, before Bousfiane pounced to put the hosts ahead.

His deceptive near post finish gave Ben Cherifia no chance as Wydad’s probing was finally rewarded 11 minutes into the second period.

Esperance almost levelled instantly as Anice Badri rattled the woodwork, underlining the tie’s knife-edge nature.

Wydad substitute Zouhair El Moutaraji then clipped the bar late on as both sides had chances to add to the scoring.

But Bousfiane’s solitary strike proved the difference as Wydad claimed a psychological boost, if not a definitive advantage.

The 1-0 victory represents a small measure of revenge for Wydad after their 2018 TotalEnergies Champions League final loss to Esperance.

But four-time African champions Esperance will still fancy their chances of overturning the deficit on home soil on Wednesday.

With the tie delicately poised at half-time, the second leg in the cauldron of Stade Olympique de Rades promises further drama and tension.

Yet Wydad know an away goal could prove decisive in settling this titanic semi-final battle.

Hearts of Oak rewarded for hard-fought victory over Wydad

Abigail Bonney — Mon, 18 Oct 2021 13:06:47 +0000

Hearts of Oak Football Club has received GHS 10,000 from the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Happyman Beverages and Charger Limited following their hard-fought victory over Moroccan side Wydad Athletic Club in the CAF Champions League at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.

Young striker Isaac Mensah artfully dived to meet an incisive weighted ball from Salifu Ibrahim on the 40th-minute mark in the first leg of the second round of the preliminary stage of the CAF first-tier interclub competition.

It was a game the Phobians largely dominated, especially in the second half but were undone by series of atrocious decisions from Angolan referee Helder Martins Rodrigues De Carvalho and his assistants.

The impressive showing from Samuel Boadu and his charges touched the kind heart of Emmanuel Bortey, the CEO of Charger Limited – the company that produces Happy Man Bitters and Onaapo Atadwe Ginger, as he donates a cheque worth GHS10,000 to the team.

The cheque was presented to the club through spokesperson Kwame Opare-Addo.

After the match, he spent time with the playing body and technical team and encouraged them to remain determined to secure qualification to the group stages by grinding the results in the return leg in Casablanca.

Hearts will travel to Morocco for the return fixture on the 22nd of October 2021.