Evidence Makgopa’s heartfelt pledge to Hugo Broos ahead of AFCON crunch tie
Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast: Ahead of Bafana Bafana’s crucial AFCON quarter-final clash, striker Evidence Makgopa has made a heartfelt pledge to coach Hugo Broos.
In a press conference sitting alongside the veteran mentor, Makgopa addressed the doubts and criticisms surrounding his inclusion in the squad, expressing his loyalty and determination.
Despite scepticism from fans who questioned his selection, Makgopa has capped off his good performances with that all-important goal against Morocco. In Namibia’s 4-0 defeat, he turned provider to Themba Zwane, showcasing his attacking prowess. His four starts in the tournament speak volumes about Broos’s faith in him.
Sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with Broos, Makgopa poured his heart out, acknowledging the negativity he’s faced. His voice, thick with emotion, carried a heartfelt pledge.
WHAT EVIDENCE MAKGOPA SAID
“You cannot force someone to love you, you cannot force someone to support you; for me, I think I just have to take it the way it is, play my football,” Makgopa said.
“I have a coach who believes in me, the coach who called me; the people were already saying, ‘why this player?’ So for the fact that coach called me, I’m here to do a job. I’m here to play, and I’m going to play my whole heart for him.
“I’m going to do whatever I have to do for the coach because he believes in me. So I have to show him I can do it [contribute to the team’s success]. I’m always motivated. There’s nothing that can shake me.”
The raw emotion of Makgopa’s pledge would have resonated deeply with his coach. Broos, visibly moved by Makgopa’s sincerity, offered a warm nod. After his goal against Morocco, the Belgian coach expressed how he always believed in the Bucs forward.
“A nice goal from Makgopa and those who doubted Makgopa when he was with us; I always believed in Makgopa,” said Broos.
“But when you work with this guy, Makgopa, he is a very good striker. Believe me. And he’s improving. He works hard, and he made a fantastic goal.”
With Broos’ unwavering belief fuelling his determination, Makgopa could prove to be Bafana’s secret weapon.
The lanky forward was a surprise inclusion in Broos’s first Bafana squad, having just emerged from Baroka FC in 2021. This decision drew questions and criticism from some quarters.
However, Makgopa, now at Orlando Pirates, remains unfazed, choosing instead to channel his energy into proving his worth to the coach who believed in him.
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