Orlando Pirates striker Evidence Makgopa has been added to Bafana Bafana’s squad for this month’s FIFA World Cup qualifying fixtures against Benin and Rwanda.
Makgopa scored the only goal in Pirates’ 1-0 win over Kaizer Chiefs in the Premier Soccer League last week. He has replaced the injured Lebo Mothiba in Bafana Bafana’s squad.
“Evidence, he was already with us but it was a long time ago. I’m very happy that he plays a lot now in Pirates. He’s a similar type to Mothiba, so I’m very happy to see him back with us,” said South Africa head coach Hugo Broos.
“He always has a good mentality. It was a bit of a pity he didn’t play much for Pirates after his injury but we followed him and I was very happy that the last four, five games he played always.”
It’s day 1 of the camp, ahead of #WorldCupQualifiers. Media Press conference concluded and players have taken to the pitch for a light training session. #BafanaPride @UPTuks pic.twitter.com/63JuH6ilt6
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) November 13, 2023
Meanwhile, whether Mamelodi Sundowns players Grant Kekana and Thapelo Maseko are available for November 2023’s qualifying fixtures remains in the balance. Kekana and Maseko have been included in the squad, but are nursing injuries.
“We have two problems – we’re waiting for the medical report from Kekana and Maseko,” added Broos.
“I’m a little bit anxious, I’m afraid that I’ll have to replace them. Once we have the medical report and we know exactly what we can expect from those two players, we’ll make a decision.”
