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Broos Defends Makgopa’s Recall: “He’s Not Messi or Ronaldo”

Bafana Bafana’s head coach, Hugo Broos, addresses the skepticism surrounding striker Evidence Makgopa’s selection, noting that the Orlando Pirates player is “neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo.”

Broos stressed that Makgopa’s importance to the team should not be underestimated.

Makgopa has been called up as a replacement for Iqraam Rayners, who withdrew from the Bafana Bafana squad due to health issues.

Rayners has since returned to his club, Mamelodi Sundowns, to recover in preparation for South Africa’s upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday (18:00) and Rwanda at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday (18:00).

Makgopa has been an essential player under Broos, contributing significantly during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast, where Bafana Bafana earned a bronze medal.

He notably scored the opening goal—originally thought to be offside—during Bafana’s match against the esteemed Morocco in the Round of 16, before Teboho Mokoena delivered a stunning free kick that clinched a memorable victory.

This goal stands as Makgopa’s only international strike, yet his tireless pressing, strong physicality, and defensive contributions have earned him much admiration.

The former Baroka FC striker’s last appearance for South Africa was in November of the previous year, during the 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Uganda and South Sudan.

“I don’t think I need to elaborate extensively on what he is capable of,” Broos remarked.

“When we participated in the AFCON two years ago, many were questioning, ‘What is Makgopa doing in the squad?’ Yet, his value was evident.

“Many people underestimate him. He’s not Messi, he’s not Ronaldo — I acknowledge that. But he’s a player who can greatly benefit the team, as he showed at AFCON.

“When Iqraam had to leave the camp, I didn’t think twice about bringing him back because I know that if called upon, he can make a significant impact.”

The Limpopo-born forward has appeared in 11 matches for Orlando Pirates this season across all competitions, scoring one goal and providing three assists, and has made 18 appearances for the national team, netting four goals.

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