Jose Riveiro had plenty of praise for his frontline soldier Evidence Makgopa, who showed physical strength, balance, alertness and precision to ensure Orlando Pirates took the lead as early as the first minute against SuperSport United on Tuesday.
Pirates made it four league wins on the trot with a 2-0 victory over SuperSport at Orlando Stadium as Makgopa broke the deadlock early on, before Deon Hotto put matter beyond all doubt in added time.
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For Makgopa, who struck a brace in a 3-0 success against Polokwane City, it was the fifth goal of the season in 10 appearances across all competitions.
Riveiro believes the striker's scoring form is a result of the hard work he does behind the scenes.
"He was always there, but he is competing with [Tshegofatso] Mabasa, he is competing with [Boitumelo] Radiopane in the position," the Spaniard told journalists at the post-match press conference.
"Again, he is working so hard, always ready to help. Whether he gets one minute, he gives you everything in that one minute, or whether he gets 10 minutes. He is an example for all the other players.
"He performed in an an excellent way in a tournament like AFCON and now that he is going through a different period, like being on the bench, he's been an example for everyone around on what it means to be a professional.
"That's why he managed to perform tonight at the level that he did, because he is always working hard, preparing himself. He is helping everybody around on and off the pitch. Tonight he did it on the pitch, so you can see.
"But that's Evidence. A very generous football player and we are so happy to have him," shared Riveiro.
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The win takes Pirates to the summit of the standings, though Mamelodi Sundowns have a chance to reclaim top spot by beating Royal AM on Tuesday.
Bucs to return to action on Friday, where they take on AmaZulu FC in a Betway Premiership encounter.