Orlando Pirates forward Evidence Makgopa brings a unique and necessary skillset to the Bafana Bafana squad, writes Mazola Molefe.
For Hugo Broos, facing the media before every Bafana Bafana squad announcement has become a familiar – and sometimes frustrating – ritual.
At 73, the Belgian coach has been in football long enough to know that public scrutiny comes with the territory. But even so, there are moments that still appear to get under his skin.
Chief among them is having to repeatedly defend one particular player: Orlando Pirates striker Evidence Makgopa.
The 25-year-old has garnered divided opinions since breaking into the national team setup.
For some, his inclusion feels like a stretch, while for Broos, it is an obvious choice.
When Bafana were preparing for the Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire, few expected Makgopa to make the final 23-man squad.
He had only just recovered from injury and had not played much for Pirates.
Yet, when star forward Lyle Foster suffered a mental health setback and withdrew from international duty, Broos knew exactly who to call.
Makgopa not only made the squad but started all seven matches at the tournament, helping South Africa secure a memorable bronze medal.
His solitary goal in the competition hardly told the full story of his contribution.
“I don’t think I have to make a big explanation about what he can and cannot do,” Broos told reporters recently, responding to another round of questions about Makgopa’s selection for the World Cup qualifiers.
“When we went to AFCON two years ago, everybody asked, ‘What is Makgopa doing in the team?’ And then you saw which role he played.” Broos has never hidden his tactical preferences.
He values physicality, discipline and tactical intelligence – traits he believes are vital in the modern African game.
It is why he has previously handed surprise call-ups to players like TS Galaxy captain Mlungisi Mbunjana, whose robust style fit the coach’s blueprint even if he was not a household name.
Makgopa, tall and strong with an excellent hold-up game, fits that mould perfectly. Even when former Pirates teammate Tshegofatso Mabasa was outscoring him and keeping him out of the starting line-up, Broos’ faith never wavered.
“So, there are many people who underestimate Makgopa,” the coach continued.
“He’s not [Lionel] Messi and he’s not [Cristiano] Ronaldo – I know that. But he’s a guy who can be very helpful for a team. And he showed it two years ago at AFCON.”
That loyalty was again on display when striker Iqraam Rayners withdrew from the national team during the October international window.
Broos did not hesitate to call Makgopa. “I didn’t doubt for one second,” he said.
“If I need him tomorrow, I know he will help us enormously.”
For Broos, the criticism surrounding Makgopa seems almost beside the point.
His faith lies not in social media debates or goal tallies, but in a player’s ability to serve the team’s system.
And for Makgopa, that belief has translated into something more valuable than numbers on a scoresheet – the trust of a coach who continues to see beyond what meets the eye.
