‘He’s not Messi or Ronaldo but don’t underestimate him’ – Broos defends Pirates striker

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has jumped to the defence of Orlando Pirates striker Evidence Makgopa who was handed a return to the national team this month.

Makgopa was called in as a replacement for the injured Iqraam Rayners but not everyone was happy with his inclusion, with some feeling there were other players who deserved a spot in the squad ahead of him.

However, Broos is categorical that the Pirates star’s inclusion was the right call, pointing to the fact that he was a key member of his team during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations after his selection had been criticised ahead of the tournament.

Broos praises Makgopa’s quality

“I don’t think I have to make a big explanation of what he can [do] and not,” Broos said in reference to Makgopa.

“When we went two years ago to AFCON, everybody was asking ‘what is Makgopa doing in there’. And you saw which role he played in the AFCON.

“There are many people who underestimate Makgopa – he’s not Messi, he’s not Ronaldo. But he’s a guy who can be very helpful for a team. He showed it two years ago in AFCON.

What does Pirates forward at to Bafana?

“When Iqraam had to leave the camp, I didn’t doubt to call Evidence. Because I know if I will need him tomorrow, he will help us enormously.”

Broos has previously explained how Makgopa helps add another dimension to his team’s game, given his height and physical presence, something his other forwards do not have, and he will hope to benefit from it as they face Zimbabwe on Friday before taking on Rwanda next Tuesday.

Makgopa, who has one goal and three assists in 11 games this season, last played for Bafana Bafana in November last year during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Uganda.