Orlando Pirates striker Evidence Makgopa says he doesn’t want to disappoint Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos and wants to repay the faith shown in him with good performances as his call-up to the national team often raises eyebrows. 

The Belgian mentor has never hidden his admiration and belief in Makgopa’s abilities and his decision to take the big striker to the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast was met with huge scrutiny and criticism, sparking debates amongst fans and pundits alike. 

The Bucs frontman proved to be an important figure in the continental showpiece, leading the line as a regular starter in all the matches, netting a single goal and providing one assist, while his hold-up play set wingers and attacking midfielders into play. 

However, the 24-year-old missed the last four Bafana camps due to an injury setback but was gradually integrated back into the Soweto giants’ squad upon his recovery and is now back to top form and in contention for the Betway Premiership golden boot with four goals. 

“For me, I knew it was going to be tough, it’s always tough when you have an injury, it can affect you mentally, but you have to be strong at some point, ” said Makgopa who’s back in the Bafana fold for the first time since AFCON. 

“I’m glad I had a place to start on the bench when I came back from the injury because it’s tough in my team [Pirates]. To be on the bench truly speaking it is, so I can say I’m fortunate enough that I managed to come back [scoring goals]. 

“Even now I know that If I can play maybe I will make my way back to Bafana, so it’s good to be back in the [national] team. Pleased to be back into the reckoning of Broos’ squad in the final stretch of the 2025 AFCON Qualifiers.” 

Makgopa is determined to justify his call-up and repay the 72-year-old’s trust with hard work and a satisfactory display. “The only thing I can say is you don’t want to disappoint such a person who has faith in you. The thing you can do for him is to push and work for him whenever you are given a chance, do whatever you have to do,” he said.

Broos’ show of faith in Makgopa is not a surprise. Interestingly, the Pirates striker scored twice on debut for Bafana Bafana in Broos’ first game against Uganda as they won 3-2 at Orlando Stadium in June 2021. 

Bafana Bafana will take on table toppers and already-qualified Uganda in Kampala on Friday, before returning home to tackle South Sudan in the mother city at DHL Cape Town stadium in the penultimate match of the qualifiers on Tuesday, 19 November.