Orlando Pirates could be without Evidence Makgopa this weekend as they take on Kaizer Chiefs in a Soweto Derby.
The 25-year-old striker has netted in his last three derby matches. He hasn’t featured in the Buccaneers‘ past games due to an injury and he could miss the anticipated clash on Sunday.
Against AmaZulu, Ngwana Sesi was not on the bench with Abdeslam Ouaddou opting to give Boitumelo Radiopane an opportunity.
“I think it was a technical decision,” Ouaddou said.
Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs clash
” He [Radiopane] has been working hard for a long time to return. Before the AFCON break, we played against All Stars. He had a good game and scored. He has been giving his best in training, so we felt it was the right moment to give him a chance,” he said as per SPORTSWIRE.
The Orlando Pirates said Makgopa needs match fitness and remains doubtful for the Kaizer Chiefs match.
“We manage the squad carefully, and our strikers need to remain competitive. Evidence still needs more time, possibly a full 90 minutes, to regain match fitness.
“We brought Radiopane in to build his confidence and help him reintegrate after a long absence. It means a lot for him to see that the technical staff believes in him,” Ouaddou added.
Makgopa has scored three consecutive goals against Chiefs but on Saturday, he is unlikely to start for Pirates but perhaps if the game is beyond Amakhosi’s reach, the lanky striker might be brought in late.