Riveiro on why Makgopa’s form is good for Bafana
Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro speaks about one of his strikers, Evidence Makgopa, saying his form is good for Bafana Bafana.
After netting in the Soweto Derby, Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro explains why striker Evidence Makgopa’s form is beneficial for Bafana Bafana.
Riveiro believes the goal Makgopa scored for Pirates against Kaizer Chiefs will remain in history books and will boost his morale.
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The Spaniard says the young striker’s form and confidence will definitely be a boost for Hugo Broos’ Bafana squad ahead of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Bafana will meet Benin and Rwanda in two back-to-back matches as they look to secure a spot in the global showpiece.
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RIVEIRO ON WHY MAKGOPA’S FORM IS GOOD FOR BAFANA
Speaking after their 2-0 win in the Soweto Derby, Riveiro emphasised his sentiments from a few weeks ago that Makgopa needs everyone’s support to succeed.
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The young striker Pirates supporters at Orlando Stadium and the coach backed him to bounce back.
“It’s very important obviously, he scored one goal at home and now he scored in the derby,” says Riveiro.
“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.
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“It’s good for South African football, it’s good for the national team,” Riveiro said.
PIRATES STRIKER BACKED TO SUCCEED WITH BAFANA
Prior to his move to the Soweto giants, the former Baroka FC hitman was a regular at Bafana, and coach Broos was impressed.
The 23-year-old, who also had a good showing at the 2020 Olympics in Japan, has not been to a national team camp since his arrival at Mayfair in the previous term.
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A spate of injuries hampered his progress 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,” adds Riveiro.
“We have to support the guys. I think Evidence is doing an excellent job, as I said already several times.
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“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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