Hugo Broos reiterates stance on Lorch AFCON snub

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Broos speaks on Lorch snub for AFCON

Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/BackPagePix

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has reiterated his stance on the exclusion of Wydad Athletic Club talisman Thembinkosi Lorch from his Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) squad.

The 32-year-old has been in scintillating form for the Moroccan giants this season, scoring five goals and providing four assists in 11 matches across all competitions.

However, that was not enough to force himself into the Belgian mentor's plans for the continental showpiece, despite a section of Bafana supporters advocating for his inclusion pre-tournament.

Now, when asked about the decision to exclude Lorch after the win over Angola, Broos maintained that the player was a shadow of his former self for the past three years, which saw him become surplus to requirements at Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.

“First instance, this is a choice. I think I have 45 players that I can choose, so you have to make choices, that is one. Secondly, everybody is talking about Lorch, I didn't hear [about] him or see him in the last three years,” he stated.

"He was playing in Pirates, they kicked him out. He was playing in Sundowns, they kicked him out. He was playing in Wydad Casablanca, I think he didn't play anymore, and now suddenly he plays well?

"I did my choice my choice and that's it. I can maybe give you some other names, maybe this one or that one or another one. When I make my choices I make my choices my own and that's it.

Meanwhile, Bafana are level on three points with Egypt and the two teams are set to lock horns for the top spot in Group B on Friday, 26 December.