Evidence Makgopa's return to Bafana Bafana delights Hugo Broos

Makgopa trained with the squad at the University of Pretoria High-Performance Centre on Monday afternoon ahead of their upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Benin and Rwanda on Saturday and next Tuesday respectively. 

READ: A happy Evidence Makgopa is good for Bafana Bafana - Jose Riveiro

The 23-year-old has been roped in to replace the injured France-based striker Lebo Mothiba, and Broos deems this the perfect swap.

"With all the little problems we've had, I've forgotten [all of them] – Mothiba is replaced by Makgopa. Evidence was already with us, but it's a long time ago," said Broos.

"I was very happy that he plays a lot now at Pirates, so I think it's a little bit the same type [of player] as Mothiba, so I'm very happy with him and to see him back here with us."

It’s been two years since the former Baroka FC forward was last in the Bafana camp, and Broos has been eagerly anticipating his rise at the Buccaneers.

"He's always been like that – always had a good mentality, so it was a little bit of a pity for him that, after his injury, he didn't play so much for Pirates last year," the Belgian added.

"But we followed him, and we continued to do so. Again, I was very happy that he's played all of the last four of five games."

Meanwhile, the 71-year-old tactician also revealed that Mamelodi Sundowns duo Grant Kekana and Thapelo Maseko are doubtful for this camp and will be assessed by the medical team.

"We still have two problems, we are waiting for the medical report of Kekana and Maseko, and I'm a little bit anxious. I'm afraid that I might have to replace them," he continued.

"So, once we have the medical report, I will know exactly what we can expect from those two players, and then we'll take a decision whether they stay with us or we have to look for two other players – don't ask me who, I've not thought about it until now."

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