Thabiso ‘Skapie’ Malatsi Explains Why Thembinkosi Lorch Could Be the Right Fit for Kaizer Chiefs

Former Kaizer Chiefs dribbling wizard Thabiso ‘Skapie’ Malatsi believes Thembinkosi Lorch could still make a significant impact at Amakhosi despite his age. The experienced attacker has reportedly attracted interest from clubs in Morocco, including his former side Wydad Casablanca and reigning Botola Pro champions MAS Fes. At the same time, speculation has linked the former Orlando Pirates forward with a possible return to South Africa and a move to Kaizer Chiefs. Lorch could be considering his options after the departure of coach Rulani Mokwena from Al Ittihad, with Mokwena having played an important role in bringing the attacker to the club. Amid the transfer speculation, Malatsi has explained why he believes Lorch’s experience, talent and professionalism could make him a valuable addition to Chiefs.

Lorch has enjoyed an eventful career in South African football and has established himself as a player capable of producing moments of individual brilliance. His ability to beat defenders, carry the ball into dangerous areas and create opportunities has made him one of the more recognisable attacking players of his generation. Although he is now 33, Malatsi does not believe age should automatically rule out a potential move to Kaizer Chiefs. Instead, the former Amakhosi star believes much depends on how Lorch maintains himself physically and professionally. For Malatsi, a player’s age becomes less important when that player continues to take care of his body, maintain the right mentality and remain committed to performing at a high level.

Malatsi pointed to the example of former South African football great Shoes Moshoeu when discussing the impact experienced players can continue to have later in their careers. He argued that South African football should not treat turning 30 as a point at which a player is automatically considered too old to contribute. “I heard that they are talking to Lorch, it would help them a lot,” Malatsi told KickOff. He believes Lorch has already demonstrated his quality on a major international stage, including during the FIFA Club World Cup. That experience could make him an attractive option for Chiefs if the club decides that it needs an established attacking player who can handle pressure and contribute immediately.

The former Chiefs star also placed considerable emphasis on Lorch’s lifestyle and professionalism. Malatsi suggested that returning to South Africa should not mean abandoning the habits that helped the attacker compete successfully while playing outside the country. He believes maintaining those standards would be essential if Lorch were to make a move to Amakhosi and take on the expectations that come with representing one of the country’s biggest clubs. “It depends on the lifestyle you live and if your lifestyle is not up to date, there is nothing much you can do,” Malatsi explained. His comments suggest that talent alone is not enough at this stage of a player’s career, with discipline, preparation and commitment becoming equally important factors.

Malatsi also believes that Lorch’s motivation could play a major role in determining whether he would succeed at Chiefs. He suggested that the attacker would need to approach the opportunity with a strong sense of responsibility towards the club, its technical staff, his family and the supporters. Such a mentality could help Lorch handle the intense expectations that accompany playing for Kaizer Chiefs. The club regularly attracts significant attention, meaning experienced players must be prepared to perform under scrutiny while also helping younger teammates manage the pressure. Malatsi’s argument is that if Lorch maintains the professional lifestyle he developed abroad and remains motivated to succeed, his age should not prevent him from making a meaningful contribution.

A potential move would also offer Chiefs an opportunity to add experience to a squad that includes several promising young players. Malatsi believes the presence of senior footballers is particularly important when a club is developing younger talent because inexperienced players should not be expected to carry the full responsibility of delivering results. Chiefs have players such as Mfundo Vilakazi and Mduduzi Shabalala who have shown potential but are still developing their games and adapting to the demands of senior football. According to Malatsi, adding experienced players around them could help reduce the pressure while giving the youngsters access to guidance from established professionals. Lorch’s experience at Orlando Pirates, Al Ahly, Mamelodi Sundowns and overseas clubs could therefore provide an additional source of knowledge within the Chiefs dressing room if the transfer were to happen.

Malatsi specifically warned against placing excessive pressure on young players to carry the expectations associated with Kaizer Chiefs. He believes senior players should take responsibility for helping youngsters understand how to deal with pressure, setbacks and the demands of playing for a major club. “Because you can’t put all the pressure of Chiefs to the likes of Mfundo Vilakazi, Mduduzi Shabalala,” Malatsi said. He believes doing so could ultimately harm their development because young players need the right environment and guidance to grow into dependable senior professionals. An experienced player such as Lorch could potentially contribute not only through his performances but also through his influence on the next generation.

The potential arrival of Lorch would also raise interesting questions about how Chiefs could use his qualities within their attacking structure. His ability to operate in advanced positions and create opportunities for teammates could give the club another creative option in the final third. At 33, however, managing his workload would likely become increasingly important, particularly across a demanding domestic season involving league and cup competitions. Chiefs would need to consider how best to use his experience while ensuring that physical demands do not reduce his effectiveness. If the club and player could establish the right balance, Lorch could potentially offer valuable contributions both on the pitch and within the dressing room.

There is still uncertainty surrounding Lorch’s next move, with reported interest from Morocco adding another dimension to the situation. Wydad Casablanca know the player well from his previous spell, while MAS Fes have emerged as another potential destination following their success in the Botola Pro. A possible return to South Africa would therefore represent a significant decision for the experienced attacker. Kaizer Chiefs would need to determine whether his current level, salary expectations, tactical fit and experience align with the club’s plans. Until those factors are resolved, the links between Lorch and Amakhosi remain speculation rather than a confirmed transfer.

Malatsi’s comments nevertheless provide a strong argument for considering experience alongside youth when building a competitive Kaizer Chiefs squad. His belief that age is only one factor reflects the reality that experienced players can continue to perform effectively when they maintain professional standards and remain motivated. Lorch would also bring knowledge of high-pressure matches and international football that could benefit a squad containing several developing players. For Chiefs, the key question would not simply be whether Lorch is 33, but whether he can still deliver the quality, consistency and leadership expected from a player at one of South Africa’s biggest clubs. If he maintains the lifestyle and discipline Malatsi highlighted, his age may matter far less than his ability to contribute, guide younger teammates and help Kaizer Chiefs compete for major honours.