Broos justifies Lepasa & Makgopa picks, explains Fagrie Lakay omission

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has addressed Pyramids FC forward Fagrie Lakay’s omission from his final AFCON squad, opting for Zakhele Lepasa and Evidence Makgopa. 

Broos on Thursday named the final AFCON squad that will do battle in Ivory Coast next month. 

In the absence of Lyle Foster and Lebo Mothiba, Broos was forced to draft in replacements.

Lakay, Khanyisa Mayo and Minnesota United winger Bongokuhle Hlongwane were some of the notable omissions in his squad. 

Addressing the media from Belgium virtually, Broos explained his decision. 

HUGO BROOS ON FAGRIE LAKAY OMISSION 

“We had Fagrie a few times with the national team,” he explained. “Honestly, the performances of Fagrie were not good so I saw then after that he doesn’t always play with Pyramids. Again, this is a choice you make. I made the choice not to take him.”

Lakay has played 12 games across all competitions this season, scoring three goals. Lepasa, on the other hand, has scored 10 goals in 20 games after a good start to the season. Makgopa has registered four goals in 16 outings this season. 

“I think Zakhele Lepasa showed it already with the national team that he’s not so bad as a striker,” Broos stated, pointing to Lepasa’s previous goalscoring exploits for Bafana. “He scored regularly.”

Similarly, Makgopa, who initially found favour under Broos, regained his confidence after a successful return to Orlando Pirates. “Evidence Makgopa was my striker in the beginning when I was coach of Bafana Bafana, and he did well, too,” Broos acknowledged. “He’s playing now again with Orlando Pirates; he’s scoring also. He has confidence. Those are the two I have to choose.”

The 73-year-old coach expressed confidence in the Pirates duo and believes they will deliver.  

 “Foster and Mothiba are not there,” he explained. “I’ve confidence in these guys… these guys were with us before; they have quality. So I think it’s normal to choose to go with them.”

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