Kaizer Chiefs: How Thembinkosi Lorch signing could shake things up at Naturena

Kaizer Chiefs could pull off one of the biggest heists in South African football should they somehow secure the signing of Thembinkosi Lorch.

The 33-year-old winger remains one of the country’s most popular footballers, despite not having played in South Africa for more than two years.

Lorch joined Libyan giants Al Ittihad Tripoli in January 2026, signing a 30-month contract that reunited him with former Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena.

The attacker is reportedly earning around R1.2 million (€75,000) per month and is under contract with the club until 2027, unless he is sold before then.

However, Lorch’s situation could change following Mokwena’s departure. The coach recently joined Egyptian giants Pyramids, leaving questions over the winger’s future in Libya.

Lorch to Kaizer Chiefs could happen

On Tuesday, The South African’s Siseko Gwegwe suggested that a move to Kaizer Chiefs could be a possibility, while FARPost reported that Lorch has been in and around the Amakhosi setup for the past couple of days.

If Chiefs could somehow get a deal over the line, it would arguably rank among the biggest signings the club has made in recent years.

Lorch has been a particular headache for Amakhosi throughout his career. The winger has scored seven goals against Chiefs in the Soweto Derby, producing some of his most memorable performances against them.

A move to Naturena would also see Lorch join the exclusive group of players to have represented all three of South Africa’s biggest clubs, Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs.

More importantly, his arrival could transform Chiefs’ attack. Lorch brings experience, goals, assists and the ability to create something out of nothing, qualities that could make a major difference to Nasreddine Nabi’s side.

His signing, however, would create serious competition for places. Young attackers such as Mduduzi Shabalala and Wandile Duba could find themselves fighting for regular starting spots, with Lorch’s experience and proven record likely to give him the edge.

For Kaizer Chiefs, landing Lorch would be more than just another transfer. It would be a statement signing and potentially one of the biggest coups in the club’s recent history.