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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<ul><li>Makgopa was Bafana's first choice forward in Afcon </li><li>Finished the competition with a goal to his name</li><li>Ex-Bucs midfielder makes his remarks </li></ul><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script>

Evidence Makgopa will be 'one of best strikers' in SA - Bafana Bafana player backed by former Orlando Pirates star

The 23-year-old Makgopa was selected by Broos to lead Bafana Bafana's quest for goals in the just concluded 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.This was after <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-za/lists/big-names-dropped-as-hugo-broos-announces-final-bafana-bafana-squad-for-2023-afcon-finals/bltba38e1964594abc4" target="_blank">Burnley forward Lyle Foster controversially missed out and injury locked Strasbourg's Lebogang Mothiba out</a>.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Makgopa started all seven Afcon matches for Bafana, with his Pirates teammate Zakhele Lepasa deputising him. The forward <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-za/lists/afcon-2023-themba-zwane-and-percy-tau-inspire-bafana-bafana-to-a-thumping-win-over-namibia-as-sa-revive-hopes-to-reach-round-of-16/bltc49a6b7e6009d89c" target="_blank">provided an assist for Themba Zwane's second goal</a> in South Africa's 4-0 win against Namibia in Group E. The tall forward then found the back of the net in the Round of 16 as <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-za/lists/bafana-bafana-biggest-afcon-2023-test-so-far-south-africa-legend-tovey-convinced-cape-verde-tougher-than-morocco/bltc4da212623e41ac9#csf07041cc358662f8" target="_blank">Hugo Broos' team defied the odds to beat favourites Morocco 2-0</a>.Sekano now insists Makgopa can be among the best forwards in the Premier Soccer League but has to work on his shortcomings.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

"He [Evidence Makgopa] has improved very much, and I think it’s because he has been playing regularly for Bafana Bafana," Sekano told <a href="https://farpost.co.za/2024/02/14/ex-pirates-star-offers-advice-to-makgopa-after-afcon-experience/" target="_blank">Far Post</a>. "You could see his performances for the national team. He played very well at the AFCON, more especially against Nigeria."His turns and passes were superb and helpful. But my concern is about his first touch, he needs to work on his first touch. I think his lack of finishing and first touches are letting him down," he continued."I do not doubt that he will be one of the best strikers in this country. What he needs is to relax in the box. He will be the best as long as he works on his shot falls. I believe, and he can help his team going forward."

WHAT SEKANO SAID

Broos might opt to stick with Makgopa once the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers resume in June with <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-ke/team/south-africa/fixtures-results/xmip8t9f2kefltjkraxzsxl9" target="_blank">Bafana set to play Nigeria</a>. South Africa have three points in Group C which is led by Rwanda who have four points while Nigeria have two from as many draws. The group winner will directly qualify for the World Cup, while the four best group runners-up will be drawn into play-offs to determine the Caf representative at the inter-confederation play-offs.

WHAT NEXT FOR BROOS & MAKGOPA?

Evidence Makgopa will be 'one of best strikers' in SA - Bafana Bafana player backed by former Orlando Pirates star | Goal.com

Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Steve Sekano is convinced Evidence Makgopa has what it takes to be among Mzansi&apos;s finest forwards. 

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