Thembinkosi Lorch: Libyan club makes South African star one of the best paid in Africa

South African forward Thembinkosi Lorch has reportedly agreed a multi-million deal to sign for Libyan club Al-Ittihad from Moroccan giants Wydad Athletic Club.

Lorch, who has been at Wydad for one year, having initially signed a six-month loan deal in January 2025 before making the move permanent six months ago, is on the move again after being enticed by a big-money offer by the Libyan outfit.

According to South African outlet iDiski Times, Lorch has agreed a two-and-a-half-year contract with Al-Ittihad and is set to earn $75,000 (R1.2 million) which translates to Ksh9.5 million per month, making him one of the best paid players on the continent.

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The 32-year-old former Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns forward was enjoying a good season at Wydad, having scored five goals and added four assists in 11 games this season, and Al-Ittihad decided to test his and the club’s resolve.

Wydad are reported to have agreed to sanction the move despite the player’s great form due to the big offer on the table plus the forward’s desire to move while it also allows them to free up space in the team for new signings.

The Moroccan outfit are believed to be close to signing Bolivian Moises Paniagua and former Sevilla striker Wissam Ben Yedder while ex-Chelsea, Ajax and Galatasaray winger Hakim Ziyech is set to make his long-awaited debut for the club in the second part of the season.

Lorch, who will be earning $900,000 annually, equivalent to R14.6 million (Ksh116 million) per year in Libya, will join the league of the best paid players in Africa alongside the likes of Al Ahly duo Aliou Dieng and Hussein El Shahat who earn $900,000 and $1 million (Ksh129 million) per year respectively.