Orlando Pirates striker Evidence Makgopa has received further backing to hit top form in the second half of the season from a club legend.
Makgopa had a slow start to the season with the Buccaneers, only making his first league start at the end of October 2023 against AmaZulu and would score his first goal of the season in November, during a 2-1 defeat to Cape Town Spurs.
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Since then, the 23-year-old has made the position his own, starting all of the Sea Robbers' league matches and adding an additional three goals in eight appearances.
Makgopa's resurgence earned him a nod to lead Bafana Bafana's attacking line at the AFCON where he would score the opener against Morocco and feature in all seven matches for Hugo Broos' side, retiring with a gold medal.
Head coach Jose Riveiro now has more options up front with the return of Tshegofatso Makgopa from loan, and the signing of Thabiso Lebitso.
However, Pirates legend Shakes Gwabeni believes Makgopa is still the man for the job.
"I think Makgopa has done well to earn a starting place," Gwabeni told Kickoff.
"Every player needs the rhythm of regular matches to hit his best form and if he has that he's going to be difficult to play against for any team.
"He has to build now from the confidence he's gathered at AFCON and continue from there. At a team like Pirates, competition will always be tough, but I think Makgopa will still hit his best form.
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The former Baroka striker could not his get his name on the scoreboard during Pirates' 6-0 thrashing of Crystal Lake but may get a chance when the Buccaneers meet Polokwane City on Saturday at New Peter Mokaba Stadium.
Kick-off is at 15:00.
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