Former Orlando Pirates striker Katlego ‘Mahoota’ Mashego has explained why Evidence Makgopa remains Hugo Broos’ ideal target man, insisting there should be no concern over the forward’s lack of goals this season as Bafana Bafana gear up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos is expected to name his preliminary squad for the World Cup soon. There is anticipation about the strikers the Belgian will include in his squad after a difficult season for South African forwards in different leagues.
Likely to make it is Burnley FC forward Lyle Foster, who has had a quiet season of his own, managing three goals and as many assists in 27 matches across all competitions. In March, for the international friendly matches against Panama, Broos brought back Bongokuhle Hlongwane, who is with Minnesota United in Major League Soccer.
But the former Maritzburg United star had little to show after being handed 60 minutes of action in the first game against the Central Americans. The third striker in the squad, Makgopa, played both games against Panama but could not find the back of the net or assist in the 64 minutes he was on the pitch.
The Pirates striker has scored seven goals and provided four assists for the Buccaneers in 28 outings this season. For a player fighting to go to the World Cup, that has not been a huge return.
But Mashego says there is no need for panic. Makgopa has been one of Broos’ most trusted players, often selected even when out of form, and that makes him likely to go to the World Cup.
WHY THERE SHOULD BE NO PANIC OVER MAKGOPA AS WORLD CUP LOOMS
“It’s a bit of a tricky one. It’s not about a player being overlooked for not scoring, it’s about the competition in the team and what the coach believes in and his system,” Mashego told FARPost.
“It should never be about being overlooked because you are not scoring goals. There are hundreds of players who were equally good at club level but struggle at international level. Andy Cole is one of the many examples. He was good at Manchester United but bad for England. Evidence fits the profile that Broos wants.
“It’s not a guarantee that if u were a top scorer, you will be good at the tournament. Other players go to tournaments without being in top form for their clubs, yet they still score goals.
“It’s about how the coach encourages Makgopa. We have seen that a lot of times Makgopa is good for Bafana, even when he is not scoring for Pirates. The coach decides what he wants for his team.
“Makgoa might go to the World Cup and do well. What are we going to say? So, we shouldn’t worry much.”
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