Why Thembinkosi Lorch Couldn’t Reunite With Rulani Mokwena at MC Alger
A reunion between coach Rulani Mokwena and attacker Thembinkosi Lorch nearly became reality earlier this year at MC Alger.
The pair, who previously worked together at Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and Wydad Athletic, had hoped to link up once again in Algeria.
However, a strict regulation in Algerian football prevented the move before talks could progress.
Algerian Football Bars Foreign Players Over 30
Speaking to SAFJA, Mokwena revealed that Algeria’s football laws prohibit clubs from signing foreign players over the age of 30. At 32, Lorch was automatically ineligible, regardless of form or experience.
Even players aged 29 can still be signed on multi-year deals, but the window immediately shuts once a player turns 30.
Mokwena admitted the rule took him by surprise.
“I don’t want to sound critical, because I don’t have the basis. There’s always context, you know. Where does the rule come from? I would assume that the people responsible for football in Algeria make the rules for the benefit of the country.”
Foreign Player Cap Added More Complications
Beyond the age restriction, Mokwena said MC Alger also struggled with a second barrier: the limit of only four foreign players per squad. Those players must meet minimum international-caps requirements, further shrinking the pool of eligible signings.
“There were many, many players that we couldn’t bring in.“Sometimes a player like Lorch, for example, would have been a player that possibly would have come to join us,” he explained.
Lorch Returns to Wydad as Algerian Move Collapses
With the Algerian regulations leaving no room for negotiation, Lorch ultimately returned to Wydad Athletic on a permanent deal. The collapsed transfer ended hopes of the pair working together again, despite their long-standing football relationship.
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The post Here is Why Thembinkosi Lorch Was Barred From Joining MC Alger appeared first on iHarare News.
