Fresh off a league and cup double with Islands Rovers, Leehogan “Lorch” Bezuidenhout arrives at CR Vasco da Gama with momentum, pedigree and unfinished business.
The 24-year-old attacking midfielder has become one of the more recognisable figures on the local football scene, and Vasco head coach Elton Swartz wasted little time in securing the services of the dynamic playmaker ahead of the club’s maiden Safa Cape Town Third Division campaign.
For Bezuidenhout, football has been a lifelong obsession.
The Bishop Lavis-born first kicked a ball at the age of five under the watchful eye of the legendary “Magic Man” Mr Tony at Islands Rovers. His natural talent quickly caught the attention of scouts and earned him a move to the famed Ajax Cape Town Academy at just 13 years old.
After leaving Ikamva, Bezuidenhout continued his development with United FC, featuring in both the Bayhill playoffs and Engen Cup before climbing through the local football ranks. A spell with Spain FC in the Overberg region further broadened his experience and sharpened his competitive edge.
But it was on the schools football stage where “Lorch” truly announced himself.
Representing John Ramsey High School, he helped secure back-to-back Kay Motsepe Schools Cup titles in 2018 and 2019, performances that opened the door to one of the biggest opportunities of his career.
“Winning the Kay Motsepe Tournament back-to-back was a massive moment for me,” Bezuidenhout told No Bones with Jones. “That’s when football really started opening doors and gave me the opportunity to compete against some of the best young players in the country.”
Bezuidenhout’s exploits earned him a move to Mamelodi Sundowns, where he shared the dressing room with the Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates midfielder Oswin Appollis and Doudou James, who also hails from Bishop Lavis.
Although personal circumstances cut short his stay in Gauteng, Bezuidenhout never lost sight of his dream. Last season became a defining chapter.
Initially turning out for Bishop Lavis FC, he even found the net against Islands Rovers before making a mid-season switch to the very club he had punished. The move proved inspired as Islands stormed to a league and cup double, with Bezuidenhout playing a pivotal role in their success.
Yet behind the medals and celebrations lies a deeply personal motivation. His father, Peter Bezuidenhout, tragically passed away while watching him play as a youngster, a loss that still fuels his determination every time he crosses the white line.
“Joining Islands was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” he reflected. “Winning the league and cup double was special, but at the same time I wish my father was here to witness it. Everything I do is for him and his legacy. I must also thank Oscar Koopman because he played a huge role in my development during my younger years.”
Now, with a new challenge awaiting at Parow Park, Bezuidenhout is determined to help Vasco establish themselves in the Third Division and continue writing a football story driven by resilience, sacrifice and ambition.
If his journey has proven anything, it’s that “Lorch” rarely stays quiet for long.
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