Radebe stresses support for Broos’ squad amid Lorch debate

Lucas Radebe has urged South Africans to respect and support the decisions of Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos when it comes to squad selection.

The legendary defender, who captained South Africa’s senior national team at major tournaments such as the Africa Cup of Nations and the World Cup, appreciates the clamour by some sections of Bafana supporters for Thembinkosi Lorch to be called up. But stellar a performer as Nyoso currently is for his Moroccan club Wydad Casablanca, Radebe says Broos should be allowed to pick the team he believes will do the job.

“I think we have got the quality in the team,” he told Independent Media in Dube, Soweto, during the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations trophy tour.

“Obviously, we need the best to represent the country, just to give ourselves a chance to win it. But it is the decision of a coach who he chooses to come and participate.

"He is the one who knows the future, where he is heading with the team and the structure of the team he wants. Whether he picks him or not, the good thing is that we know that we have got depth now in the players he can bring in.”

The former Leeds United captain, who played for Kaizer Chiefs here at home, does acknowledge that Lorch — essentially described by Broos as being too old — has really raised his hand, hence the shouts for him to be considered.

“As an individual he has done well, especially with the criticism he suffered when he changed clubs. It is very difficult for a player when you are facing those challenges, but he managed them and showed character, and that gives us hope and that is what we need when it comes to big competition.”

Still, the legendary defender says coach Broos must be given the space to make up his mind.

“But to be honest it is up to the coach, whether he brings him or he does not, because he is the one who is in charge. And it is not just about Thembinkosi Lorch because there are other players who have the same quality playing in some smaller European teams that could be called up.”

Lorch was once again on the scoresheet for Wydad this weekend when they beat OC Safi two-one on Sunday to cement their position atop the Botola Pro. He scored in their previous league match too and has now found the net five times this season.

Not that Broos will be moved.