Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has made a surprise admission over the possibility of Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Thembinkosi Lorch returning to the national team set-up.
Lorch has been in fine form since his move from Orlando Pirates to Mamelodi Sundowns in January, registering five goals and three assists in 13 matches so far.
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That form has raised shouts over a possible return to the national team for the 30-year-old.
It would be the first time Lorch dons Bafana colours since 2022.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of the 2025 AFCON qualifier against Congo Brazzaville, Broos said the door remains open for the Free State-born attacker.
"Lorch? You are speaking about [a player who was at Bafana Bafana] two years ago," the Belgian said.
"So, I think I can mention another 10 names who were with us and then suddenly they were no longer with us. I started to build the team three years ago.
"Maybe it's hard for some players when I saw them and they didn't satisfy me. Then okay, I started looking for other ones. And now since – let's say two years - I have the team that I want, the right mentality, quality and so on.
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"You saw the results we had, so I don't see the reason I should go three years back and say: 'Oh yes, this one was also there'.
"That is the past, it's not for this moment. But every player will have the possibility to come with us if they perform well.
"If tomorrow Lorch starts making fantastic performances for Sundowns, then okay, why shouldn't he be with us then? But that's not the point today," added the outspoken mentor.