Riveiro sheds light on Makgopa’s ‘problem’ that led to substitution

Orlando Pirates head coach Jose Riveiro has explained the issue that led to Evidence Makgopa being substituted during a CAF Champions League match against Stade d’Abidjan in Ivory Coast.

Pirates played to a 1-1 draw against d’Abidjan at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in a Group C tie of the Champions League away from home on Saturday night.

This marks the second consecutive match in which The Soweto giants have failed to secure a victory, following their draw against Al Ahly at Orlando Stadium last weekend.

So far in the group stages, Pirates have claimed one victory against CR Belouizdad and draws against Al Ahly and d’Abidjan. ‘The Buccaneers’ are currently sitting at the summit of Group C in the Champions League with five points.

In a match against Abidjan, Pirates drew the first blood and took the lead on the stroke of half-time, thanks to a goal by Evidence Makgopa from the penalty spot. However, the Ivory Coast outfit found an early goal in the second half to bring the scoreline back to level terms.

JOSE RIVEIRO REVEALS MAKGOPA WAS SUBBED OFF DUE TO FITNESS CONCERNS

Despite Makgopa scoring against d’Abidjan, the Bafana Bafana international struggled to impose himself and trouble the opponents.

The former Baroka FC striker was substituted in the 63rd minute and replaced by Tshegofatso Mabasa.

Pirates coach Riveiro has since confirmed that fitness issues were the reason behind the early substitution of striker Makgopa.

“I think Evidence did a fantastic job in the first half, creating a lot of chances for Rele [Mofokeng] and [Mohau] Nkota. He plays from the second line. He’s a player with a lot of mobility,” said Riveiro.

“He had some problems in the first half, physical problems, so we spoke at half-time, and the guy was very honest with me. Makgopa told me that he could complete 10 to 15 more minutes. So that’s why even before we started the second half, Mabasa was doing the warm-up already because we knew he was going to be a technical sub.”

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