Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has emphatically shut down renewed
questions about the exclusion of Thembinkosi Lorch, stating his decision is
final despite South Africa’s winning start to AFCON.
Following the 2-1 opening victory over Angola, post-match discussion quickly
turned to the omission of the Morocco-based attacker. Broos, however,
refused to let the debate overshadow the team’s positive result.
“The choice is mine,” stated the Belgian coach. “I have about 45 players to
choose from, so you must make decisions. That is the first point.”
Broos elaborated that his stance is based on a long-term assessment, not
recent performances. He questioned the sudden clamour for a player he
believes has been inconsistent for years.
“Secondly, everyone is talking about Lorch. I didn’t see or hear him in the
last three years,” Broos explained. “He was at Pirates, they let him go. He
was at Sundowns, they let him go. He was at Wydad Casablanca and wasn’t
playing. Now, suddenly, he is playing well?”
The coach concluded with a firm declaration of his authority, dismissing any
further debate. “I made my choice, and that’s it. I make my choices on my
own. And that’s it.”
