Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has addressed the intense criticism surrounding his selection of forward Evidence Makgopa, who was called up to replace Iqraam Rayners for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda.
Broos defended the move by asserting that while Makgopa “is not Messi, and he is not Ronaldo,” his often-underestimated contributions are vital to the squad.
Two weeks ago, Broos announced the final squad to face Zimbabwe and Rwanda in the final two World Cup qualifier matches. Despite making the initial preliminary squad, Orlando Pirates striker, Makgopa was excluded from Bafana Bafana’s final 23-man squad.
However, the Pirates man was controversially recalled on Wednesday to replace Mamelodi Sundowns striker Rayners, who withdrew due to medical reasons. This move raised eyebrows, as many had expected coach Broos to instead bring in the in-form Bradley Grobler of Sekhuhune United. Despite the intense speculation, Makgopa, 25, has long been one of Broos’s most trusted players, having been pivotal in the team’s bronze-medal finish at the last edition of AFCON.
Addressing the media in Durban ahead of the clash with Zimbabwe, Broos asserted he owed the public no explanation for choosing Makgopa as Rayners’ replacement.
“I don’t think that I have to make a big explanation about what he Makgopa] can and what he cannot do. When we went two years ago to AFCON, everybody was asking what Makgopa is doing in the team, which role he played in AFCON,” said Broos.
BROOS JUSTIFIES MAKGOPA’S SELECTION
Recently, the former Baroka FC striker has not enjoyed good fortune in front of goal. So far this season, he has played a total of six games, scoring a single goal and registering three assists in all competitions.
His assist record is testament to his impressive link up play, that is well renowned by his current and previous coaches.
Broos has faced widespread criticism for choosing Makgopa over other, more prolific strikers. Broos acknowledged this public skepticism, directly refuting the claims of Makgopa’s doubters by highlighting the striker’s significant, though often unheralded, contributions during the successful 2024 AFCON campaign.
“So there are many people who underestimate Makgopa. He is not Messi, and he is not Ronaldo, I know that. But he is a guy who can be helpful to the team, and he showed that. He showed it two years ago in AFCON,” added Broos.
Broos further expressed his unwavering confidence in Makgopa, asserting that his decision to recall him came with no hesitation.
“So when Iqraam has to leave the camp, I did not doubt to call back again Evidence because I know if I will need him again tomorrow, that he will help us enormously,” he concluded.
Subject to selection, Makgopa awaits to seize the opportunity to prove his doubters wrong when Bafana face Zimbabwe on Friday at the Moses Mabhida Stadium. Kick off is at 18:00 on Friday.
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