Lorch stars for Wydad as Foster, Mokwena and Carnell also shine abroad

Thembinkosi Lorch strengthened his case for a Bafana Bafana recall with another eye-catching display for Wydad Casablanca as several South African players and coaches enjoyed a winning weekend abroad.

The former Orlando Pirates playmaker was instrumental in Wydad’s emphatic 5-1 victory over Ghanaian outfit Asante Kotoko on Friday night at the Mohammed V Sports Complex. 

Lorch scored once and set up another as the Moroccan giants stormed into the next round, with his flair and composure again at the heart of Wydad’s attacking rhythm.

His growing influence in Morocco has reignited talk of a national team comeback. Bafana coach Hugo Broos has been tracking his progress closely, and with Lorch in red-hot form, his return to the international fold looks increasingly likely ahead of next month’s window.

Elsewhere in Africa, South African duo Neo Maema and Rushine De Reuck helped Tanzanian giants Simba SC book their place in the CAF Champions League group stages. 

Simba advanced after a goalless draw against Nsingizini Hotspurs at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Sunday, having already secured a 3-0 win in the first leg.

In England, Lyle Foster was the difference for Burnley FC as he netted a late winner in a dramatic 3-2 triumph over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux. 

The 23-year-old forward came off the bench to play the final 12 minutes and struck deep into stoppage time to seal Burnley’s second Premier League win of the season.

Now coached by Scott Parker, Burnley have shown renewed attacking intent, and Foster’s sharp finishing has been central to their resurgence. The goal was his second of the campaign, underlining his growing confidence and importance to the Clarets.

On the coaching front, Rulani Mokwena’s MC Alger also advanced to the CAF Champions League group stages despite a 0-0 home draw against Colombe on Sunday. 

The Algerian club progressed thanks to the away goals rule, following a 1-1 result in the first leg. 

Mokwena’s tactical discipline and compact setup have impressed early in his tenure as he adapts to life outside South Africa.

Across the Atlantic, Bradley Carnell continued to make waves in the Major League Soccer playoffs. 

His Philadelphia Union side edged Chicago Fire 4-2 on penalties after a thrilling 2-2 draw at Subaru Park in the first match of their best-of-three opening-round series. Carnell’s system — built on intensity and swift transitions — again proved decisive under pressure.

Back in Morocco, another South African coach, Fadlu Davids, guided Raja Athletic to a 1-0 victory over Olympique Dcheira in the Botola Pro League at the Stade Mohamed V on Saturday.

From Lorch’s creative masterclass in Casablanca to Foster’s match-winning strike in England and the strategic triumphs of Mokwena, Carnell, and Davids — it was a weekend that underlined South Africa’s growing footprint in world football.