Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro has no doubts Evidence Makgopa will have benefited from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
Makgopa, 23, has long been tipped to become one of the stars of South African football since bursting onto the scene with Boroka into the professional ranks as a teenager.
With 15 goals and seven assists in 71 games, he broke into the senior national team upon Hugo Broos’ appointment as head coach two years ago and despite an indifferent start to life at Pirates, he’s come back strong to win his place in the team for club and country.
The lanky striker started all seven games at AFCON as they secured bronze, showing a tireless work ethic and leading the line effectively. He bagged an assist in the 4-0 win over Namibia and opened the scoring in the 2-0 win over Morocco in the last-16.
“No, absolutely not, and I’m not saying this because I’m noticing any difference already but I’m sure he’s not the same player anymore,” Riveiro said.
“He was in a top continental tournament, competing with many players who are already having careers in top sides in Europe, seven weeks camping with his teammates and other exceptional players around him.
“All those experiences obviously will play a big role in Evidence’s career, I’m really glad he finally got the opportunity we probably were all looking for and expecting of him since the moment he signed for Pirates.”
Makgopa was poised for a move to Greek giants Olympiakos, while offers from the Danish Superliga and French club Amiens were proposed in the past before his move to the Buccaneers alongside Gooman Mosele.
And with his current trajectory, it won’t be surprising that offers will come forth at the end of the season, as he looks set to form a crucial part of the Bafana Bafana squad for the 2025 AFCON and 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in the coming months.
“One year ago, for many different reasons [regular game time] wasn’t possible, not because he didn’t try,” Riveiro added about his slow start.
“I’ve said many times he didn’t start the season with the same opportunities as everyone else in his position but now it’s his moment and I think he’s using his moment very well.”
Makgopa has scored five goals with two assists in 18 appearances this season.
