Ex-Pirates star offers advice to Makgopa after AFCON experience
After showcasing his talent on the continental stage at the 2023 AFCON, Evidence Makgopa has received valuable advice from a former Orlando Pirates and Moroka Swallows star.
Makgopa’s and South Africa’s fairytale run and dreams of claiming a second AFCON title were dashed by Nigeria in the semi-finals on Wednesday, 07 February in Ivory Coast.
However, Makgopa and his side walked away with the bronze medal after beating DR Congo 6-5 on penalties in the third-place playoff clash on Saturday. The game ended 1-1 after extra-time and was decided in a shootout.
This was Bafana’s best finish at AFCON in 24 years, and it’s sparked optimism among the SA-loving football supporters for the future.
The Buccaneers’ striker, Makgopa, was one of the outstanding assets for Broos’ side during the 34th edition of the AFCON tournament. Though, at some point, he experienced countless criticisms from SA supporters, he featured in all seven Bafana matches.
The 23-year-old Pirates striker played a pivotal role in Bafana’s succession to the semis. He registered one assist when they humiliated Peter Shalulile’s and Dion Hotto’s Namibia with a 4-0 scoreline in SA’s second match in the group stages.
Makgopa further scored an important goal against Africa’s number one nation and the 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-finalists, Morocco, who are ranked at position 13 globally.
EX-PIRATES’ STEVE SEKANO POINTS OUT EVIDENCE MAKGOPA’S BIGGEST WEAKNESS
Following Bafana’s AFCON fate, former Pirates midfielder Steve Sekano has praised the SA international Makgopa for his performances in Ivory Coast.
The SA national team landed at a packed OR Tambo International Airport on Wednesday morning after their heroics at AFCON.
“He [Evidence Makgopa] has improved very much, and I think it’s because he has been playing regularly for Bafana Bafana,” Sekano told FARPost.
“You could see his performances for the national team. He played very well at the AFCON, more especially against Nigeria. His turns and passes were superb and helpful. But my concern is about his first touch, he needs to work on his first touch. I think his lack of finishing and first touches are letting him down.
“I have no doubt that he will be one of the best strikers in this country. What he needs is to relax in the box. He will be the best as long as he works on his shot falls, in him, I believe, and he can help his team going forward.”
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By Clifton Mabasa