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Thembinkosi Lorch could soon be without a club, with reports saying the former Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns attacker is close to parting ways with Libyan side Al-Ittihad Tripoli by mutual agreement.
The 33-year-old winger has reportedly lost favour under head coach Faouzi Benzarti and has been left out of the club's recent league squads. If the two sides agree to end his contract, Lorch could be a free agent in the next transfer window. According to iDiski Times on 20 October 2026, talk of a mutual separation is growing as his future in Libya remains unclear. No official termination has been confirmed.
Lorch joined Al-Ittihad in February 2026 after leaving Moroccan club Wydad Athletic Club, where he had a memorable spell that included a goal at the expanded FIFA Club World Cup. The move to Libya gave him a chance to continue his career outside South Africa. His place at the club is said to have become less certain after changes in the technical plans and the arrival of new players. Reports also point to the club's limit on foreign players as a possible reason, since more competition for places has reportedly left him outside Benzarti's immediate plans. The final details of any separation are still unclear.
A return to Morocco has also been talked about. Maghreb Association Sportive de Fès, known as MAS Fès, was reportedly interested in signing him, but the talks did not produce a deal over personal terms. The money involved was said to be a major obstacle. A return to Wydad Casablanca has been mentioned in the media too, though no official offer was reported. Clubs in Egypt and Algeria have reportedly shown interest as well, but this has not been confirmed. If his contract with Al-Ittihad ends, Lorch could have several options.
His uncertain future has also led to talk of a return to the Betway Premiership. Kaizer Chiefs have been mentioned in transfer discussions, and some supporters are wondering whether the Soweto giants might go for the experienced attacker. There is no confirmed agreement, and no official word that Chiefs have made an offer. A move back to South Africa would let him play in familiar surroundings, but it would depend on his contract situation, his financial expectations and the interest of other clubs.
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