A happy Evidence Makgopa is good for Bafana Bafana says Jose Riveiro

Speaking at the post-match press conference at the FNB stadium on Saturday, after a Makgopa goal had ensured that Pirates ended a five-game losing streak to Chiefs in the league, Riveiro reiterated his comments from a few weeks ago that Makgopa needs everyone’s support to succeed.

"It's very important obviously, he scored one goal at home and now he scored in the derby. It's gonna be there in the books forever. It's gonna be a good boost for the boy but in general, I think it doesn't make so much sense to play a South African player as a striker, 21, 22. An interesting prospect, I think we have to all protect the young players. Try to create a proper atmosphere for them so that they can develop themselves. It's good for South African football, it's good for the national team," Riveiro said.

Before coming to Pirates, during his Baroka FC days, Makgopa was a regular at Bafana Bafana and head coach Hugo Broos took a liking for him.

The 23-year-old, who also had a good showing at the 2020 Olympics in Japan, has not been to a Bafana Bafana camp since his arrival at Pirates last season.

Injuries have also played their part but Riveiro now seems to have found the system to accommodate Makgopa.

"Instead of, you know just creating uncomfortable moments for young players because maybe we want to see our favourites there on the field. We have to support the guys. I think Evidence is doing an excellent job, as I said already several times.

“I'm not gonna speak so much about him because he's speaking for himself on the field. People need to have a look at all the things that he's doing, not only when he's putting the ball in the net."

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