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Hugo Broos and Helman Mkhalele, Bafana BafanaBackpage
Kiplagat Sang

Hugo Broos defends selecting Orlando Pirates star who 'is not Messi or Ronaldo' but can be very helpful for Bafana Bafana

The former Cameroon coach was forced to make another change to his squad after another key player was ruled out. To fill the gap, the tactician considered the Sea Robber, whom he believes is up to the task.

  • Iqraam Rayners, Bafana Bafana, October 2024Backpagepix

    Makgopa's selection defended

    Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has defended his decision to call up Orlando Pirates striker Evidence Makgopa for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. 

    The Bucs' star earned himself a place in Broos' squad after he was considered following Iqraam Rayners' withdrawal due to medical reasons.  

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  • Hugo Broos, South Africa, October 2025Backpage

    Why Makgopa?

    The Belgian tactician pointed out how the Pirates forward was a crucial player for Bafana during the last African Cup of Nations finals in Ivory Coast. 

    “I don’t think I have to make a big explanation of what he can [do] and not,” Broos stated.

    “When we went two years ago to AFCON, everybody was asking, ‘What is Makgopa doing in there?’. And you saw which role he played in AFCON.

    “There are many people who underestimate Makgopa – he’s not Messi, he’s not Ronaldo. But he’s a guy who can be very helpful for a team. He showed it two years ago in AFCON," he added.

    “When Iqraam had to leave the camp, I didn’t hesitate to call Evidence. Because I know if I need him tomorrow, he will help us enormously.”

  • Mduduzi Shabalala, Bafana BafanaBackpage

    Injury headache for Broos

    Rayners' withdrawal means that Broos has had to make changes to his final squad for the second time ahead of the crucial qualifiers.

    Initially, the Belgian tactician called up Kaizer Chiefs' Mduduzi Shabalala to replace Relebohile Mofokeng. The Pirates youngster was ruled out following an injury he suffered during the Carling Knockout Cup game against Siwelele.

    Rayners' absence is an added blow to Broos, given that the Mamelodi Sundowns star has been one of his regular starters.

    However, this could be a blessing in disguise, as Makgopa, who returns to the squad for the first time since November 2024, could end up playing a crucial role as Bafana fight for vital points.  

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  • Bafana Bafana, October 2025Backpage

    Will Zimbabwe and Rwanda deny SA crucial points?

    Bafana are expected to treat the qualifiers against the Warriors of Zimbabwe and Rwanda's Amavubi as do-or-die matches. South Africa will face Zimbabwe on October 10 before playing Rwanda four days later.

    Mzansi need points from their Group C rivals in order to boost their chances of automatically qualifying for the 2026 World Cup finals. They were close, but a point deduction by FIFA saw them lose their advantage over Benin and even Nigeria. 

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