Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has set the record straight on the selection of Evidence Makgopa, stating that he will not drop the striker until he finds someone better than him.
Broos finalised his 23-man Bafana Bafana squad on Thursday to face Panama in two friendlies at the Moses Mabhida and DHL Stadium this month. South Africa will face Panama as part of the preparations for the upcoming FIFA World Cup to be hosted by Mexico, Canada, and the USA.
In the latest squad assembled by Broos, there are notable exclusions, as big names such as Sipho Chaine, Iqraam Rayners, and Sipho Mbule were left out of the team.
The omission of Chaine and Rayners has raised questions from supporters and pundits alike, as the duo has been producing solid performances for Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, respectively.
Chaine has been one of the standout goalkeepers in the Betway Premiership, keeping 14 clean sheets in 21 games, while Rayners has netted 10 goals and provided three assists in 17 league appearances.
Despite his consistent form in front of goal, Rayners was left out of the Bafana squad, with Broos opting for his trusted forwards, Evidence Makgopa and Lyle Foster. The Belgian mentor also recalled Bongokuhle Hlongwane, who is currently plying his trade in the MLS with Minnesota United FC.
BROOS VOWS NOT TO DROP MAKGOPA FROM BAFANA SQUAD
When questioned about his selections in the striking department, Broos emphasised that both Foster and Makgopa have consistently delivered for him. The Belgian tactician went a step further, stating that the Pirates talisman will remain a fixture in his squad until he finds a superior alternative.
Makgopa’s inclusion comes despite heavy criticism on social media and a recent struggle for game time at club level. The striker has lost his place in the Pirates starting line-up, with Yanela Mbuthuma often preferred in recent matches.
“You know we are talking about consistency, and for strikers, I like that. Lyle never disappointed me, I think in every game he played [at the 2025 AFCON] he scored,” Broos said. “It is the same thing with Makgopa, even though he doesn’t play regularly at the moment for Pirates.
“Two years ago, everybody was asking, ‘Where were you taking Makgopa?’, but you saw what he did at the AFCON. So he’s always there, he’s always the guy who works hard, and I will not drop him before I see someone who is much better than him.”
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