Riveiro says Makgopa has stamped his name in Pirates history

Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro Riveiro says Evidence Makgopa will be in the club’s history books following his goal in the Soweto derby last weekend.

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Makgopa, who was subjected to booing by Bucs fans two weeks ago, was the hero as he scored the only goal of the match to help the Sea Robbers secure a 1-0 victory in a DStv Premiership against Amakhosi at FNB Stadium.

Riveiro emphasised the importance of Makgopa in the Buccaneers starting line-up, and he says it doesn’t make sense when fans boo such a young player with potential.

“He is very important obviously, he scored one goal at home and now he scored in the derby. He is going to be there in the books forever,” said Riveiro.

“It is going to be a big boost for the boy. But in general, it doesn’t make so much sense to (boo) a South African player who is 21 or 22 years old and an interesting prospect (Makgopa is actually 23). I think we all need to protect young players and try to create a proper atmosphere for them to develop themselves,” said the Bucs mentor.

‘We have to support the guys’

“It’s good for South African football, it’s good for the national team, instead of creating uncomfortable moments for the players because maybe we want to see our favourites on the field.

“We have to support the guys and I think Evidence is doing an excellent job. I said that already several times, I was not going to speak so much about him because he is speaking for himself on the field. You just have to look at all the things that he is doing, not only when he is putting the ball in the net.”

Pirates’ win against Amakhosi saw them take their point tally to 15 from 10 DStv Premiership fixtures, and they now sit in position seven on the league table after two wins in a row.

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The Buccaneers will head into the international break with their heads held high and will only resume their league campaign at Richards Bay FC on November 25.