Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro believes fans will see a different player in Evidence Makgopa after the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Ivory Coast.
Makgopa was one of the outstanding performers for Bafana Bafana during the tournament, where the Bucs striker led the striking force in all the games for Bafana, impressing with his work rate upfront.
Makgopa was back again to lead the attacking force for the Mighty Buccaneers when the club took on Mamelodi Sundowns in a DStv Premiership clash in Tshwane. The clubs shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw.
Makgopa was replaced by Cameroonian striker Souaibou Marou towards the end of the second half.
READ | 'People wouldn't have known who Makgopa is'
Riveiro is confident that the striker will continue to shine for Pirates this season after gaining more experience with the national team during the continental showpiece.
"I am not saying this because I have noticed a difference already but I am sure he is not the same player anymore. He was in a top continental tournament competing with many players who already have careers in Europe with top sides.
"Seven weeks camping with his teammates, exceptional players around him, so all of those experiences are going to play a big role in Evidence's career," Riveiro told journalists during a press conference after the draw against Sundowns in Pretoria.
"I believe that he finally got an opportunity that probably we were all looking for and expecting of him since the moment he signed with Orlando Pirates one year ago for many different reasons was not possible, not because he didn't try but as I have explained many times before, he didn't start the season with same opportunity like everybody else in the same position. But now it is his moment and I think he is using his moment very well," he added.