He’s a big prospect as a No 9: Riveiro on Pirates’ forgotten striker Makgopa

When Bafana Bafana striker Evidence Makgopa joined Orlando Pirates from relegated Baroka FC, many expected him to be an instant hit, having done well for the Limpopo club and the national team in 2021.

Pirates coach Jose Riveiro explained on Thursday that injuries and time spent ensuring the gangly 22-year-old striker adapts to the way he wants his team to play are reasons Makgopa has played in only three games in all competitions since he joined the Buccaneers in June last year.

Makgopa has made just two appearances as a substitute in the 2022-23 DStv Premiership, but there are signs of the player getting back to shape.

Pirates beat first-division Venda Football Academy 2-1 in the Nedbank Cup last 16 at Soweto's Orlando Stadium on Saturday, with Makgopa flicking a delicious assist for Thembinkosi Lorch to score Bucs' winner in extra time.

This prompted Riveiro to say the striker is getting close to starting matches. 

“It’s difficult to say how close, but the important thing is he came in and he contributed.

“He’s helping us and Evidence is an example as a professional and as a human being. I have to say he’s working hard every day and he's humble. He never complains about lack of minutes.

“There are many reasons he was not playing. He was injured in two different periods and that couldn’t help with his continuity.

“But he’s a high-potential prospect as a No 9. I'm 100% sure Evidence is going to come to the party and make an impact soon at Pirates and in South African football.”

The Spaniard said there is strong competition for places among the forwards in his team and those with consistency will play more.

“He [Makgopa] needs to be consistent and he’s going to get opportunities. We must be fair sometimes and we cannot expect that Evidence will come in in a moment as difficult as that [against Venda] and suddenly win the game for us.

“He did a good job, he contributed, and he was doing a fantastic job without the ball. I hope in the future we can have a space for him to be more consistent in our starting XI and give him a chance to be a regular.

“It is difficult because we have many possibilities in his position. That’s why Evidence is not in the starting XI.

“It’s not because he’s not doing enough. It’s because of me in this case. I’m considering all the players in his position, but he’s doing everything well.”

Lack of game time at Pirates led to Makgopa losing his place in Bafana. The forward has played nine matches and scored three goals since making his debut when he scored a brace in a 3-2 victory friendly against Uganda in June 2021. 

The striker featured in all of Hugo Broos's squads for the 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifying group stages as Bafana came close to qualifying for Qatar. 

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