Riveiro hails Pirates’ ‘true professional’ Makgopa

Jose Riveiro has hailed the professionalism of striker Evidence Makgopa, who got his first start for Orlando Pirates during the club’s victory over Cape Town Spurs in the Carling Black Label Knockout last 16 on Friday.

Makgopa was signed by the Buccaneers in 2022, but was sent out on loan to Moroka Swallows, before returning to the club prior to the beginning of the current season.

The former Baroka FC striker has not been able to break into the Buccaneerss line-up, with the 23 year-old only making a few appearances as a substitute before the Carling Knockout clash against the Urban Warriors.

Riveiro is happy with Makgopa’s resilience no matter the circumstances, especially with the striker having been able to help the club win 2-0 against Spurs at Orlando Stadium by creating the penalty for the second goal.

“It’s his first (full) game with us, as a player who has been with us for 15 months, coming into the starting XI for the first time today. Having the behaviour that Evidence had during that time, I can only say it was excellent – a true professional,” the Spaniard said of Makgopa

“As a coach I’m so happy to see him finally getting the chance …. the competition in the team is terrible in that position also, but I’m happy that finally he managed to make it into the starting XI.”

‘He’s a player that can only improve’

With a positive performance from Makgopa, the Buccaneers coach is adamant that there is still a lot to come from the striker and he says he is always working hard to improve as a player.

“Due to his condition and his age he’s a player that can only improve. Obviously if he manages to play frequently, his improvement is going to be more evident for everybody,” the Bucs coach continued.

“Like I said … he’s a very humble guy, working very hard every day.”

Makgopa will be hoping for more game time, with the club set to take on AmaZulu FC in a DStv Premiership tie at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Tuesday.