Is this why Mabasa was snubbed? Broos claims Bafana 'have no player like Orlando Pirates' Evidence Makgopa'

Even during his peak last season, Tshegofatso Mabasa was not included in the Bafana Bafana team for international matches.

The towering striker who won the 2023/24 Premier Soccer League's Golden Boot winner missed out on the first and second international breaks, respectively this season.

The 28-year-old has four goals and an assist in the 16 games played for the Soweto giants across all competitions in the ongoing campaign.

Evidence Makgopa has been in and out of the Buccaneers team; he started the 2024/25 season behind Mabasa in the pecking order.

The 24-year-old was also affected by injuries at some point that saw him miss some games but has still managed to play 13 games in all tournaments and scored six goals in the process.

With Lyle Foster injured, Broos did not hesitate to include Makgopa in his final team for the games against Uganda and South Sudan, respectively.

The 72-year-old has explained why he did not have problems having the striker back in the team.

"You know I like Evidence, I liked him since I’ve been here, because he’s a guy with potential and everybody was surprised that he went with us to [the 2023] Afcon, and they were even more surprised that he played," he told the media.

"But I think when you see the performances of Evidence you can only be happy. So, he’s not a fantastic big player but he is so useful for the team and I see it now also in Pirates, I see him playing, he’s so useful for the team, and he starts scoring also. 

"So, he’s confident. He’s the type of player that we don’t have, tall, and good with the head. So yes, and again I like him and when the opportunity is there Evidence will always be with us."

It is not clear whether it is Mamelodi Sundowns' Iqraam Rayners or Makgopa who will start, but from Broos' comments, the Pirates forward will play.

It is up to the Bucs forward to prove his doubters wrong by delivering for the national team when he gets the chance.